Parkinson Society British Columbia Viewpoints · Winter 2015 Edition

Parkinson Society British Columbia

A quarterly newsletter for the Parkinson’s Community of British Columbia Watch for our NEW 4 7 10 14 LOOK WINTER Ask an Expert: Demystifying Finding PSBC Plans coming in Your Questions on WatchDUODOPA for our® NEWInspiration LOOK for 2016 2016! 2015 Depression coming in 2016!

Watch for our NEW LOOK coming in 2016! Parkinson Society British Columbia

Executive Committee Chair OUR MISSION Parkinson Society British Columbia exists COLIN MACBEATH to address the personal and social consequences of Vice-Chair ANDREW DAVENPORT Parkinson’s disease through education, outreach, scientific Secretary research, advocacy and public awareness. BOB THOMPSON 890 West Pender Street, Suite 600, Vancouver, BC V6C 1J9 Treasurer MONA KRAGH Tel 604 662 3240 · Toll Free 1 800 668 3330 · Fax 604 687 1327 [email protected] · www.parkinson.bc.ca Members at Large VAL SWANNELL Charitable Registration Number 11880 1240 RR0001 Directors ARIANE GRILL TIM O’CONNOR Your support is Self-Help Support Groups CEC PRIMEAU essential! DAVE RICKARDS 100 Mile House, Abbotsford, Burnaby, Campbell River, Chilliwack, Chinese SHERRI ZELAZNY PSBC would not exist without the Speaking (Burnaby), Courte nay / Comox Medical Advisor generosity of its members, donors Valley, Courtenay/Comox Caregivers, DR. MARTIN MCKEOWN and volunteers since it receives no Cowichan, Cranbroook, Creston, Elk Valley government support. Staff (formerly Sparwood), Fort St. John, Kamloops, Kelowna, Kelowna Caregivers, Chief Executive Officer The following are the many ways JEAN BLAKE you can support your society: Ladner, Langley, Lions Bay, Maple Ridge/ Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge Caregivers, Education and Support Membership – $25 annual fee Mission, Nanaimo, New Diagno sis 1 & 2 Services Coordinator CAROLINE WIGGINS Monthly or Quarterly Donation (Vancou ver), New Westminster, North Shore, North Shore Caregivers, Osoyoos/ Education and Support United Way Oliver, Parksville / Qualicum, Parksville Services Coordinator, Interim Remember PSBC when giving Caregivers, Penticton, Penticton MYRIAME LÉPINE LYONS through United Way Caregivers, Powell River, Prince George, Director, Resource Special Events Quadra Island, Richmond, Shuswap/ Development CECILIA TUPPER Your participation in our special Salmon Arm, Shuswap/Salmon Arm events makes a difference Caregivers, South Sunshine Coast Manager, Resource (Sechelt), Terrace, Trail/Castlegar, Tri- Development (part-time) Planned Giving and Bequests Cities, Tri-Cities Caregivers, Tsawwassen, BETTY HUM Consider PSBC as a beneficiary Vancouver Arbutus, Vancouver Caregivers, Event Coordinator (part-time) in your Will Vancouver West Side, Vernon, White Rock LUCY ISHAM-TURNER Manager, Marketing and Editorial Statement Communications ALICIA WROBEL The views and opinions expressed within the pages of Viewpoints are not necessarily those of Parkinson Society British Columbia. The intention is to provide the reader with a wide range of Donor and Member material. Parkinson Society British Columbia welcomes submissions for the newsletter. The editor

VIEWPOINTS Services Coordinator reserves the right to edit material and to withhold material from publication. SUSAN ATKINSON Articles contained in Viewpoints are for information only. PSBC does not guarantee nor endorse any Registered Clinical product or claim made by an author. In matters of medical treatment or therapy, patients should Counsellor (part-time) consult their physicians. COURTNEY HANNA

2 WINTER 2015 important Chair CEO Colin MacBeath Enjoy awonderfulholidayseason! [email protected] or18006683330. Should youhaveanyquestions,pleasedonothesitatetocontactJeanBlake,CEO, at count onyourcontinuedsupport. We look forward to further assisting the Parkinson’s community in 2016 and we hope that we can greatest impactpossible. and collaborate with complementary Parkinson’sBC, organizations with the aim of achieving the Although wewillhaveanewlook,continuetofocusonthedeliveryofprogramsandservicesin rebrand. willbeundergoingsomechanges, including a 31, 2015.Inconnectionwiththedissolution,PSBC and itspartnersrecentlyvotedtodissolvetheParkinson SocietyFederation effectiveDecember theholidayseasoncomesNewYear,With andwiththisNewYear comesanewlook.PSBC Parkinson’s across Canada. experts, weweretheprimaryproducerofprintanddigitally-based resourcesforpeopleaffectedby In 2015,wedoubledthenumberofeducationalprogramsprovided.Also,incooperationwithleading We havebeenworkingtoincreaseandstrengthenthedeliveryofprogramsservicesacrossBC. contributions inhelpingtomakethepastyeararoaringsuccess. portunity toprovidesupportthoseinneed.We’d liketoextendoursincerethanksyouforyour us, registeredtoattendoneofoureducationeventsormadeadonation,you’veallowedustheop- The holidayseasonisthetimeofyearforreflectionandgratitude.Whetheryou’vevolunteeredwith news

A New Year, ANew Look!

Important Announcement Jean Blake

parkinson.bc.ca

3 VIEWPOINTS ask an expert

COURTNEY HANNA AND MYRIAME LÉPINE LYONS

answer your questions on depression

How do I know if I’m depressed? What are the symptoms of depression?*

The normal ups and downs of life will contribute If you identify with several of the following signs and to instances where you may feel sad or have symptoms—especially the first two—and they just “the blues” from time to time; however, if you won’t go away, you may be suffering from depression. experience an ongoing feeling of emptiness and Signs and symptoms of depression include: despair that seems to have taken hold of your life, • Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. you may have depression. A bleak outlook on life and the thought that Depression makes it tough to function and enjoy life nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing in the ways you once did. But, no matter how you can do to improve your situation. hopeless you may feel, know that you can get better. • Loss of interest in daily activities. You’ve lost Understanding the signs, symptoms, causes and your ability to feel joy and pleasure in former treatments of depression are the first steps in hobbies, pastimes, social activities or sex. overcoming the problem. The more symptoms you have, the stronger they are and the longer they’ve • Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight lasted, the more likely it is that you’re dealing with loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% depression. When these symptoms are overwhelming of body weight in a month. and disabling, that’s when it’s time to seek help. continued on next page…

Courtney Hanna, MCP, RCC Born and Myriame Lépine Lyons Myriame com- raised in Ottawa, ON, Courtney com- pleted her Bachelor of Arts (Honors) de- pleted her Bachelor of Arts degree in gree in Psychology and Sociology at Halifax, NS at Dalhousie University. Af- Queen’s University and her Master of ter her undergraduate degree, and a Arts degree in Counselling Psychology at little soul searching, she decided to fol- the Adler University, where she re- low her dream of becoming a counsel- searched Educational Assistants’ expe- lor and moved to Vancouver, BC to pur- riences and perceptions of relating with sue a Masters of Counselling Psychology at Adler University. students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a Certified Now a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Canadian Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC), her and Psychotherapy Association, she uses a Cognitive Be- personal connection to Parkinson’s disease (PD) brought havioural Therapy approach with a focus on building thera- her to Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC). peutic rapport. By cultivating a sense of togetherness, Myriame works with clients faced with anxiety and depres- Courtney’s father was diagnosed with PD over 10 years ago, sion, trauma, life transitions, chronic disabilities and neu- VIEWPOINTS and recently underwent Deep Brain Stimulation surgery, rodevelopmental disorders. Myriame has a passion for which has been a successful form of treatment for him. helping individuals lead a healthier lifestyle through mind- Believing that every individual has the potential to lead a fulness, resiliency building, and evidence-based practices. happy and fulfilling life regardless of challenges faced, she brings a unique perspective and skill set to PSBC.

4 WINTER 2015 * to 1-800SUICIDE(1 -7842433) or911. If youhavethoughtsof suicide pleasereachout today aboutstartingtreatment. extremely important.Talk toahealthcareprofessional risk ofsuicide,sodiagnosisandtreatmentare poor health,ahighmortalityrateandanincreased nized. Depression in older adults is associated with depression, andsotheproblemoftengoesunrecog rather thantheemotionalsignsandsymptoms of adults tendtocomplainmoreaboutthephysical, in thosewithoutastrongsupportsystem.Older health problems,canleadtodepression—especially such as bereavement, loss of independence and The difficultchangesthatmanyolderadultsface • • • • • • • be abletoformally assessandaddressyourconcerns. from depression, speak toaqualifiedhealthcareprofessional thatwill replace astandardizedassessment. Ifyouthinkmaybesuffering Please beadvisedthattheinformation providedisnotmeantto pain, achingmusclesandstomachpain. physical complaintssuchasheadaches,back Unexplained achesandpains.Anincreasein ing decisionsorrememberingthings. Concentration problems.Trouble focusing,mak gambling, recklessdrivingand/ordangeroussports. behavior(s) suchassubstanceabuse,compulsive Reckless behavior. You engageinescapist faults andmistakes. or guilt.You harshlycriticizeyourselfforperceived Self-loathing. Strongfeelingsofworthlessness take longertocomplete. heavy andevensmalltasksareexhaustingor physically drained.Your wholebodymayfeel of energy.Loss Feeling fatigued,sluggish and on yournerves. temper shortandeverythingeveryonegets even violent.Your tolerancelevelislow, your Anger orirritability. Feeling agitated,restlessor sleeping (alsoknownashypersomnia). waking intheearlyhoursofmorning,orover Sleep changes.Eitherinsomnia,especially your future. be worried about symptoms and to wonder about experience as the disease progresses. It is normal to to yourinitialdiagnosisandthechangesyou Depression canbetheveryunderstandablereaction with PDwillexperiencedepressionand/oranxiety. as componentsofthedisease.Atleast50%people including changes in mood, have been acknowledged disorder, but in recent years the non-motor symptoms, Parkinson’s disease(PD)isclassifiedasamovement • • Here aresomeimportantpointstoconsider: experience symptomsatall(HeretoHelp,2013). 80% ofpeoplewithdepressionfeelbetterornolonger help withdepression.Infact,therighttreatment, A variety of effective treatment options are available to physical symptomsofPD. depression canappearpriortotheonsetof that controlyourmood.Inmanycases, can affectothercircuitsandneuralpathways decreasing amount of available dopamine, PD a chemicaldepression.Inadditiontothe your brainchemistry. Thisisreferredtoas Depression canalsobecausedbychangesin specialist is aware. It is also recommended that specialist isaware.Italso recommendedthat professional, as well ensuringthat your PD you discussanymoodchanges withahealth National Parkinson Foundation recommendsthat bit.ly/Parkinsons-Outcomes-Project) fromthe medica Medication. Speak to a doctor about what anxiety arerealillnessesthatcanbetreated. Get informed.Rememberthatdepressionand

might I be feeling depressed? might Ibefeelingdepressed? Parkinson’s diseaseandwhy Is depressionasymptomof overcoming depression? What aremyoptionsin tions maybeavailable.Anewstudy(http:// continued on next page… parkinson.bc.ca

care care

5 VIEWPOINTS ASK AN EXPERT continued from page 5…

physicians screen for depression at least once a How does cognitive behavioural year. If you start taking medication for depression, therapy help me? remember that it can take several weeks before CBT is a collaborative, scientifically proven therapy you start to feel better. Early side effects usually approach that aims to provide clients with strategies disappear as your body gets used to the new drug. to cope more effectively with a wide range of prob- • Social support. Listen to your family and your lems including depression. It is based on the idea physician if they suggest that you might be de- that our thoughts (‘cognitions’) influence, and are pressed or are having difficulty coping. Reach out influenced by, our feelings and behaviours. This to friends and family, join a support group. Don’t means we can easily become ‘stuck’ in a vicious hesitate to ask for help, even if it is just setting cycle, where negative thoughts and feelings feed aside time to talk. each other and lead to unhelpful patterns of behav- • Counselling. There are two types of counselling iour. Many of these processes happen automatically, approaches that work best for people with and often outside of our awareness, so it can be depression, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) difficult to change. CBT can help clients to become and interpersonal therapy (IPT). Using the CBT more aware. approach, a health professional can teach you skills to help change your view of the world around When you exercise new thinking patterns and you. They do this by coaching you to break the utilize helpful behaviours and emotions, you negative patterns of depression including the are engaging, to a certain degree, in neuro- thoughts and actions that contribute to it. A plasticity. You are creating new helpful path- health professional that uses IPT, will teach you ways that your brain will be able to use, instead skills to improve how you interact with other of the unhelpful thinking patterns that are con- people so that your relationships do not suffer. nected with depression. • And/or a combination of treatments. Most mental health experts will agree that combining In short, CBT is: medication with a form of therapy is most effec- • Educational. It provides a new way of understand tive in combatting depression. ing your problems. • Skill-based. It involves learning new skills and How can PSBC’s counselling strategies to manage your unhelpful thoughts, service help me manage my feelings and behaviour. These coping mechanisms symptoms of depression? should be practised in-between sessions. At PSBC, we are committed to helping you improve • Goal-oriented. It encourages you to set specific your quality of life. In April 2015, the Society opened goals and commit to their achievement. a free short-term counselling service for individuals • Present-focused. It prioritizes dealing with the affected by Parkinson’s. In the last few months, we problems you are faced with right now over have seen an influx in the demand for this service. exploring possible root causes (The Mindful Currently, we have two registered psychotherapists Living Centre). who are available by appointment. By reaching out to the Society, the counsellors can References work with you to increase awareness and strength Here to Help. (2013). Depression. Retrieved from http://

VIEWPOINTS using cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness- www.heretohelp.bc.ca/factsheet/depression based exercises and resiliency building to overcome The Mindful Living Centre. (n.d.). What is Cognitive symptoms of depression. Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?. Retrieved from http://www. mindfullivingcentre.ca/what-is-cbt.html

6 WINTER 2015

research

Demystifying DUODOPA® As this is a relatively new product to the Cana- dian market, only one British Columbian, Gail A new treatment has been approved by Health Guise, has undergone the procedure for DU- Canada designed to help individuals with advanced ODOPA®. However, there are a number of peo- Parkinson’s disease who are responsive to levodopa ple on this therapy across Canada and over treatment. More specifically, it is designed to treat 5,500 worldwide. those with severe, disabling motor fluctuations and hyper-dyskinesia (involuntary movements) not sat- Unfortunately, the product is not yet covered by Phar- isfactorily controlled by combinations of available maCare in BC, as it is in several other provinces. oral medicinal products for Parkinson’s disease. The This poses an issue as, although the pool of eligible product is called DUODOPA®; a levodopa and carbi- patients is small, the cost of the drug is $60,000 a dopa combination in the form of a gel that is contin- year – which for most people is unmanageable. Most uously delivered directly into the small intestine via a private insurers are covering the cost of the medica- pump. Because the delivery tion and Gail was fortu- of the drug is continuous and nate to have extended regulated, it provides a more health care benefits, constant “on” period, there- which helped to cover by reducing disabling motor the fees. Despite the symptoms of Parkinson’s dis- challenges associated ease. with drug coverage, she says her experience with Once the drug has been rec- the product has been ommended by a doctor with well worth the journey. experience in treating Parkin- son’s disease, a determina- Sixty-three year old Gail tion is made as to whether or Guise resides in Lang- not the individual is a good ley with her partner, candidate for the procedure. During this procedure, Cathy Carlyle. The couple has a loyal border collie, a small opening is created, called a “stoma”, allow- named Zip, whose biggest joys in life are“protecting” ing for a tube to be inserted through the stomach the household and “working” on a friend’s nearby wall. The drug is then administered through the tube farm. Gail was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and regulated by a pump. Cassettes containing the in 2002. She continued to work as a planning ana- intestinal gel are attached to the pump, worn con- lyst for computer systems. In the fall of 2014, her tinuously for 16 hours and changed once a day. symptoms were rapidly becoming more difficult to manage on a day-to-day basis. That’s when Dr. Jon Following the surgical procedure, because the dose Stoessl made the recommendation for DUODOPA® ® of DUODOPA required to moderate Parkinson’s and the procedure was scheduled for March 2015. symptoms will vary by patient, adjustments are ® made to determine what works best for that indi- “DUODOPA has been a lifesaver,” says Gail. “Before vidual. Generally, a larger dose is administered in I was able to have the surgery, it was difficult for me the morning, and then a lower maintenance dose to do the things that many take for granted. For in- is continuously delivered throughout the day. The stance, if I was at a restaurant and had to go up to pump will allow the patient to have the option of acounter to pay my bill, I’d be unable to. My dyski- controlling some aspects of drug delivery to ensure it nesia was just too severe. Now I am able to walk and is meeting the needs for managing symptoms based continued on page 8… on the doctor’s recommendations. parkinson.bc.ca 7 DEMYSTIFYING DUODOPA® continued from page 7…

stand in one place for minutes at a time.” Though shown not only is there further need to educate it was challenging to adjust to carrying around the PharmaCare on the life-changing effects of this pump, Gail had no problem travelling to Hawaii only therapy, but that this information needs to be several months after the surgery. Coolers were used extended to doctors across the province; which is to help store her replacement medication cassettes presently in the works and will continue in 2016. at the appropriate temperature, and she had no is- ® sues getting through security at the airport. “I’m so fortunate to have DUODOPA in my life. I would absolutely advocate for the therapy, as This therapy is not without some potential challenges. I believe there are others with advanced Recently, Gail had the tube that delivers the medication to her intestine malfunction whilst she Parkinson’s symptoms that could really benefit was away in Penticton. This prompted a trip to the from it,” she says. local hospital; however, the staff was unfamiliar with If you are interested in learning more about the inner workings of the device, so even after x-rays DUODOPA®, you can read AbbVie’s consumer revealed what had happened, they were unable to information document (http://bit.ly/AbbVie-Duodopa- assist. When she returned to the Lower Mainland, Info), or contact Parkinson Society British Columbia she was able to have another procedure putting the at 1 800 668 3330. tube back into working order. Her experience has

Special Thanks

Angela Wensley Angela graciously presented a $5,000 donation to the Society on October 19, 2015 at the Voice & Swallow Seminar in Langley/Surrey. After selling their house in White Rock and relocating to a townhouse in South Surrey, Angela and her partner Wendi made the decision to donate a portion of the funds from the sale of their house to the Society. Angela says, “We sat down and talked about it for a long time, but in the end, this donation was a no-brainer. By supporting the Society, I was, after all, supporting myself.”

Team Telus Charitable Employee Giving Program Thank you to the Team Telus Employee Charitable Giving Program for their generous donation of $10,000. The cheque was presented to Parkinson Society British Columbia on September 10, 2015. VIEWPOINTS Top Photo from left to right: Jean Blake (CEO, Parkinson Society British Columbia), Angela Wensley (Donor) and Sherri Zelazny (Director, PSBC Board and Voice & Swallow Seminar Facilitator). Bottom photo from left to right: Gurmail Bath (Telus), Jean Blake (CEO, Parkinson Society British Columbia), Donna Hansby (Telus) and Andrew Davenport (Vice-Chair, PSBC Board).

8 WINTER 2015

newsworthy SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE Join Emily Chambers, dynamic Champions News local vocalist, and other musical guests for Shake, Shake, Shake! On the evening of Friday, January 8th, Dan McGuire Completes His you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the musical stylings of local Four Extremities of Canada Cycle for Parkinson’s artists spanning a variety of genres. Dan McGuire’s 10,000km cycling journey across Canada Proceeds from this not-to-miss concert began when he was 80 years old. The grueling ride took him at The Imperial (319 Main Street, Vancouver) will benefit Parkinson three summers to complete and ended in Inuvik, Northwest Society British Columbia. This event Territories this past August. On completing the ride, Dan said, is for ages 19+. Two valid pieces “I had a real sense of gratitude for the support that I had on the of ID will be required for entry. road, both from those who volunteered to drive the support vehicle, More information and tickets and the frequent encounters with many kind people who helped along available at www.parkinson. the way.” Dan’s ride has gained national attention including coverage bc.ca. on CBC Radio’s Vinyl Café with Stuart McLean. Parkinson Society British Columbia wishes to extend its deepest thanks to Dan and his team for their support and inspiration.

Jonathan Smith Cycles the Whistler Gran Fondo for Parkinson’s On September 12th, Jonathan Smith cycled 122km (including 1700m of climbing) in the Gran Fondo Whistler to raise money in support of family members and the thousands of others in B.C. who are living with Parkinson’s. His hard work and determination paid off as he surpassed his donation goal of $2,000 raising a total of $2,640 for the Society. Thank you to Jonathan and all those who supported him through his ride! View his ride on Vimeo at: https://vimeo.com/145364198

Pickleball for Parkinson’s A big thank to all those in Kelowna who supported Pickleball for Parkinson’s this past summer. The event was a great way to connect with members of the community and raise critical funds for research and programming.

DO YOU HAVE PARKINSON’S RELATED LEGAL ISSUES? Through a partnership with PSBC, the law firm of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP offers free of charge legal services to people with Parkinson’s in British Columbia. The Litigation Support Program from Blakes addresses legal issues such as discrimination against individuals with Parkinson’s in the workplace; discrimination in accommodations, services or facilities that are generally available to the public; and, wrongful denial of disability insurance or denial of government services.

If you have a legal problem relating to Parkinson’s disease, please contact Jean Blake, CEO at [email protected] for more information. VIEWPOINTS

parkinson.bc.ca 9

giving

Society British Columbia offers the following help sheet to How I Found Inspiration assist you in your planning: http://bit.ly/DrivingandParkinsons) in a Shaky World She has now needed to change from using a cane to a walker, and it was a huge adjustment. There have As I creep closer to fifty I’m starting to think a bit more been a few falls leaving her bruised and sore so the about aging. Frankly, I think I’ve aged pretty well (give switch was necessary. She had been using the cane or take a few crow’s feet). When I do think about aging, to stand with both hands in front of her and her feet I tend to look to my parents. My mom and dad are 82 wide apart. Like a precarious tripod. and 85 years old respectively. My dad has never let anything slow him down—ever. My mom was always ac- My mom has slowed down a lot, tive when we were young- but she hasn’t had a choice. She er. As a family we hiked, has Parkinson’s disease. She is camped and skied a lot. fighting it every step of the way Fitness wasn’t really a but inevitably the disease pro- priority in the 70’s but I gresses and life has to change. remember mom going to a fitness class at the lo- She was diagnosed about 15 cal YMCA regularly when years ago, but honestly, it hasn’t I was little. Now she has been until the last two or three a Life Call necklace that years that it has affected her she wears all the time day-to-day life. At the beginning, which alerts a call board the only noticeable symptom was if she falls over. I know a slight tremor in her left hand. that she gets scared When she originally told us I didn’t sometimes and she’s know much about the disease. All become better at asking I could picture was Michael J. Fox, for help. I think she’s who I had seen interviewed on TV, come to the realization who sometimes couldn’t control that there are some things she just can’t do. The the tremors in his body, jerked violently and occa- biggest thing has been recognizing that she can’t sionally found it difficult to get a full sentence out. push herself too far and making sure she is well rest- I was a bit freaked out. Fortunately, her symptoms ed to avoid injuries. were nothing like that; to look at her, you wouldn’t even know she had the disease. So, here I sit; an active, almost fifty year old, with some extra time on my hands. For too many years I Lately, I’ve noticed things have changed. A few have thought about getting involved with Parkinson months ago she was involved in a small car accident. Society British Columbia (PSBC). There was work, There wasn’t much damage and nobody was hurt, kids, life… excuses really. No more. My mission is but her reactions are just not what they used to be. to find a way to give some time and energy to help (Editorial comment: Many people can continue to drive in the people with Parkinson’s. To try and find a way to help VIEWPOINTS early stages of PD, particularly if medications are effective. people with Parkinson’s that maybe haven’t been as Others can drive safely with vehicle modifications, skill up- grading and restrictions. Realistically however, there is likely fortunate as my mom. And who knows, maybe they to come a time when you will no longer be able to drive safely and you should plan ahead for the possibility. Parkinson continued on next page…

10 WINTER 2015 great waytomeetnewpeople,andgiveback. making a difference. making adifference. my opinion,it’sawin-winifyoucanhavefunwhile opportunity togetcreativewithfundraisingtoo.In budget andpromoteyourevent.You havethe Society providesallthetoolsyouneedtocreatea you andprovidesupport. thing torememberisthatthey’retherehelpguide Parkinson Society BritishColumbia.Theimportant There aremanywaysyoucangetinvolvedwith personally—and youcantoo. a differenceforsomethingthatmatterstoyou of thebestthingsinlifeishavingabilitytomake mom’s symptomstoo.One will find a wayto easemy Access isthrough thebackentranceonClarkson Streetandiswheelchair accessible. are interested,pleasecallthe clinicreceptionistat6045201830. We havereceivedexcellentfeedbackfromthosewho haveattendedtheclinic.Ifyou with Parkinson’s and$22for carepartnersandsupportworkers. The clinicisonThursdaysfrom4:00p.m. to7:45p.m.Thecostis$13forpeople with Parkinson’s, caregiversand supportworkers. West CoastCollegeof Massage Therapyholdsaspecialmassageclinicforpeople of MassageTherapy West CoastCollege Volunteer. There areanumberofvolunteer Organize aFundraiser. TheChampionsfor kinson SuperWalk, whichItakepartin.It’sa opportunities with the Society, including Par anyone to organize a fundraising event. The anyone toorganizeafundraisingevent.The Parkinson’s program makesitreallyeasyfor

(Near 6thStreet,oneblockfromColumbiaSkytrainStation) 613 ColumbiaStreet New Westminster, BC - research working towards a cure can be made. research workingtowardsacurecanbemade. will continuetobeofferedand that investments in l ensuresthatcriticalprogramsandservices your Wil Society helpstoeasetheburden.Leavingagiftin vealing waystoimprovelivesandsupportfromthe in theirjourney. the Parkinson’s community that they are not alone ple affectedbyParkinson’s aspossible.Let’sshow to ensurethatthey are able to reach as manypeo- possible withyourhelp.TheSocietyneedsaboost plans aremoreambitious,butcanonlybemade events from2014movinginto2015.Nextyear’s todoublethenumberofeducational for PSBC you andme.Generousdonorshavemadeitpossible Things inLife’s“A ShakyWorld” bySusanHardman. Adapted andreprintedwithpermissionfromTheBest British Columbiatoday. Parkinson Society get involvedwith a difference.Please Don’t waittomake Set-up a Legacy Gift.Parkinson’sSet-up aLegacy canbe a Make aDonation.TheSocietydoesn’tre- terms with,butresearchiscontinuallyre- difficult diseasetomanageandcome entirely onthedonationsfrompeoplelike ceive anygovernmentfunding.Itdepends

parkinson.bc.ca 11 VIEWPOINTS Parksville

Vernon Victoria Nelson Kamloops

On behalf of PSBC and the Parkinson’s community… Thank You British Columbia! We raised $392,000+! It takes a community to fight Parkinson’s and 23 locations across the province participated in SuperWalk.

Proceeds from Parkinson SuperWalk help to fund research, education and support services. You are Parkinson’s heroes inspiring extraordinary hope!

Vancouver Kelowna

Pitt Surrey Meadows Sincere Thanks Thank you to everyone for their participation, donations and support of the 25th annual Parkinson SuperWalk. Your generosity has helped to raise over $392,000 and counting. These funds will allow the Society to extend its reach, providing programming and services for the 12,500 British Columbians living with Parkinson’s.

TOTAL RAISED BY COMMUNITY n Burnaby $6,118.00 n Parksville $9,948.00 n Chase $535.00 n Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge $32,732.00 Burnaby n Chilliwack $6,285.00 n Prince George $11,183.95 n Cranbrook $1,960.00 n Quadra Island $100.00 n Elk Valley $10,817.15 n Richmond $7,761.00 n Fort St. James $2,613.00 n Salmon Arm $5,358.00 n Fraser Valley / Fort Langley $20,087.00 n Surrey $25,653.00 n Invermere $3,013.00 n Terrace $1,000.00 n Kamloops $38,340.00 n Vancouver $122,898.00 n Kelowna $49,525.00 n Vernon $9,508.00 n Nelson $6,260.00 n Victoria $20,786.13 n Oliver $1,867.00

Superb SuperStar Walkers Teresa Shimbashi, Suzanne Flintoft, John Hallam, Klaus Nadanong Taninart, Patricia Nelson: Bobs Team (Raised $5,000–$14,000) Stothers, Janet Stuehmer, Kahl, Carole Taylor, Robert Wright, Deborah Yeates Pitt Meadows/Maple May Wong Thompson Kelowna: Wendy Olinger, Vernon: Cheryl Bateman Ridge: Laurie’s Legacy, PD Garry Toop Vernon: Colleen Vollan Nelson: Renice Townsend, on the Run, Team Elliott, Victoria: Jillian Carson, Irene Wright Team GMA’s Group, Team Pitt Meadows/Maple SuperStar Walkers Louise Dillabough, Harry Whonnock, The Farrell Ridge: Linda Thiessen – (Raised $1,000–$2,499) Parksville: Henry Drage, Laura Hutcheson, Lemons Top Individual raising Cummings, Douglas Toombs Paul Lavoie, Patricia Wood Burnaby: Linda Dawson, $13,075 Prince George: Team Uncle Michael Dawson Pitt Meadows/Maple BC Teams Barry Surrey: Holly Parrish Ridge: Susan Allan, Wim (Raised $1,000+) Chilliwack: Joe MacMillan Hunfeld, Richard Maki Surrey: A&W Cruisers, Vancouver: James Chilliwack: Hutchinson Cranbrook: Annalee Tsawwassen Ladner Support Smerdon, Val Swannell Prince George: John Family, Joe and Irma’s Siemens Groups Corbett, Carolyn Lamb Group SuperStar Supreme Elk Valley: Gary Holland, Vancouver: Airhole, Browns Walkers (Raised Richmond: Joseph Elk Valley: Going for it, Shelly Hume, Terry Hume, Socialhouse STL, For Pete’s $2,500–$4,999) Denofreo, John Miller, Helge Movers and Shakers Jerome Tracey Sake, J Walkers, Kenny’s Nielsen, Jean Nykyforuk, Elk Valley: Merl Shelley Fraser Valley/Fort Krew, Lanphear Team, PPRC Fraser Valley/Fort Alan Reynolds Langley: Anderson, Jerry’s Fraser Valley/Fort Langley: PJ Burns, Ken bow ties, Red Hot Chili Salmon Arm: Emile Roy Jiggers, Ken’s, ParKrahn, Langley: Collin McKenzie Kennedy, Carolyn Krahn Steppers, Remembering PJ’s Parkinson Pavement Surrey: Linda Bickerton- Bryan, Sandy’s Super Kamloops: Ruth Konrad, Invermere: Grace Sander Pounders, Team Abbott, Ross, Keith Jones Walkers, Saskatchewan Jane Osterloh, Bryan White Kamloops: Patricia Team Dewsies, Team Roots, Shake Me To Your Terrace: Penny Henderson Kelowna: Ralph Ayers, Ballentyne, Donna Dobbie, Elizabeth, Walk 4 Pake, Leader, Show Me the Peter and Marie Baigent Judith Facchin, Rodney Vancouver: Elspeth Banerd, Wobbles Smerdons – Top Team Hobbs, John McChurrach, Jan Carley, Kiran Evans, Gail raising $16,460, Team Pitt Meadows/Maple Kamloops: Go Granny go, Rendy Olthuis, Steven Guise, Ken Hoyem, Diane Dito, Team Janet, Team Ridge: Edith Elliott Not Forgotten, Papa’s Puhallo, Linda Ritchie, Janzen, Peter Khatkar, Posse, Team Nonie, Team PSBC, Team Sahota, Team Surrey: John Manuel, Chris Jenica Sawyer, Brianna Gwenith Lamacraft, David Puhallo, Team Touhey Val, The Big I, The Hustlers Parrish Senner, Wesley Stephens, Lanphear, Chelsea Rae- Kelowna: Bryan A, Group Victoria: Akers, Shakers, Susanne Touhey Arther, Barbara Robertson, Vancouver: Tracey-Lee Therapy, Kelowna Good ‘N’ Donation Takers, Papa Vickey Sahota, Robin Eddy, Peter Ganske, Jill Kelowna: Bryan Aubie, Vibrations, Percs for Parks, John’s “Hurry-up & wait Shantz, John Smerdon, Goertzen, Janet Maybury, Mary de Souza, Jean Team Thor gang”, ParkinGo Wellness Bernice Smerdon, Society, Smith’s Gunners

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presented by the ® (Train the Trainer): ® Vancouver – Saturday, April 30 – Saturday, Vancouver Lower Mainland – mid-April (TBC) April 11 Communities – Monday, Participating June 27 to Monday, September Oregon, USA – Tuesday, Portland, September 23 20 to Friday, Davis Phinney Foundation (with support Davis Phinney Foundation Society British Columbia): from Parkinson • Annual General Meeting • Program: Walking Step by Step, 12 Week • Congress: Parkinson World • Dance for PD We will be providing travel grants along with the World Parkinson Congress Committee. Please watch for more information on criteria and the application process in January/February 2016. • TBC Summit The Victory

2016 Programs & Services Year at a Glance Services Year & Programs 2016 plans for 2016 for Vancouver – Thursday, May 12 to – Thursday, Vancouver May 14 Saturday, Kamloops – Friday, January 29 Kamloops – Friday, – (TBC) Vernon May 27 Castlegar – Friday, 8 (TBC) July – Friday, Nanaimo/Parksville Prince George – Early October (TBC) November 18 (TBC) – Friday, Valley Fraser Delivered via webinar – 7:00pm to 8:30pm (TBC) February, Nanaimo/Parksville – Saturday, February 20 February – Saturday, Nanaimo/Parksville May 28 Prince George – Saturday, Victoria – Saturday in November (TBC) Kamloops – Saturday in October (TBC) – June (TBC) Kelowna techniques designed to introduce people with Parkinson’s to the joys and benefits of a customized to the joys and benefits people with Parkinson’s techniques designed to introduce

® Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease Onset Parkinson’s Young SongShine (Train the Trainer) • Communication & Swallow Workshops • • • • • • Series 4-Week • Regional Conferences Regional • • • • •

We are pleased to announce our plans for the upcoming year and invite your feedback. In keeping with upcoming year and invite your feedback. to announce our plans for the are pleased We in several more we plan to host educational sessions our reach and inspire hope, our goals to extend Conferences. In 2015, and our Regional Workshop our Communication & Swallow communities, including Carepartner Connect a wider audience as a part of our use of webinars to reach out to we explored the will also in 2016. We will be offering it again via webinar was well received, and so, we Series. The program disease. Onset Parkinson’s webinar for those with Young offer a program via Recovery Wellness Parkinson for held sessions successful the to similar approach, trainer’ the ‘train a Using provide in 2016. This will be bringing SongShine to Vancouver in 2015, we will Becky Farley (PWR!) with Dr. voice voice techniques to assist people who may be experiencing choral leaders with training in utilizing we will also be offering professionals training in Dance for in the year, and communication issues. Later PD dance experience. been events at present. Please note that not all of our plans have The following is a list of our planned they are to be confirmed (TBC)confirmed. Those events indicating with will still require further arrangements local groups, speakers and venues. WINTER 2015 VIEWPOINTS 14 Renew your membership before December 31! Did you miss our New Don’t wait! There’s still time to renew your Diagnosis Day in November? membership with Parkinson Society British Columbia. For only $25, your household can continue to take advantage of great member benefits, including Not to worry, you can watch receiving our quarterly newsletter, Viewpoints. recordings of the sessions at: http://www.parkinson.bc.ca/ To renew your membership visit www.parkinson.bc.ca/ membership or call 1 800 668 3330. presentations

New Diagnosis Day took place in Langley, BC Support Groups on Saturday, November 14. Experts shared their knowledge to present on topics providing an We will continue with our visits to support groups throughout overview of the disease, treatment options and the year. We welcome all invitations to visit, and will do our tips on staying active to help slow the progression best to factor them into our planning for the year. of symptoms. There was also the opportunity to hear from a panel of people with Parkinson’s Counselling and carepartners to learn from those who have Newly introduced in 2015, we will continue to offer free experienced adjusting to a diagnosis first-hand. and confidential short-term counselling services to people As a part of our ongoing commitment to extend affected by Parkinson’s disease. These services are cur- our reach, we videotaped the sessions to test rently available in-person, over the phone or via Skype. and evaluate their reception. Should the response Due to an increasing demand, we will be extending the to these resources be positive, we may consider availability of this service from one day per week to at this method of delivery again in the future. least one and a half days per week.

Information and Referrals Viewpoints Ongoing service is available in-person, by telephone or online. If we are unable to answer your questions or con- We are pleased to announce cerns immediately, we will research your inquiry and get that we will be piloting an audio back to you. format of Viewpoints starting with the Winter 2015 issue. A special New Resources thank you Don Winchester for bringing forth the idea, and to Gail Hall, • Communication & Swallow Booklet – available in January who will be recording the audio versions of • Care Partner Booklet – available in spring each newsletter. Details available at: http://www.parkinson.bc.ca/publications

Should you have any questions, concerns or feedback on our plans for 2016, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We are here to serve you and welcome your thoughts. VIEWPOINTS

parkinson.bc.ca 15 Become a Champion for Parkinson’s Do you want to help fund research, grow support networks and improve quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s? Become a Champion for Parkinson’s and plan your own independent community fundraising event! From bake sales, birthday parties and beer tastings, to tennis tournaments and car shows, no event is too big or too small. Take the lead, get creative, build awareness, raise funds and don’t forget to have fun!

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