By Brittney Matejka

Step’n Stride for Parkinson disease raises funds for research and community support

Sep 11, 2017 | 4:03 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB. – The Parkinson Association held their 5th Annual Flexxaire Step’n Stride walk on Sunday afternoon at Crescent Heights High School Rotary Track. The event helps raise money for education, support services and research.

Beth Metcalf, Client Services Coordinator for the Parkinson Association said there is research being done in the province at the University of Alberta, University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge.

“I would love to be able to report that there is a cure but there is not, we haven’t even gotten close to that, there has been some conversation around a mutated gene that could possibly be the cause of Parkinson disease but the research is not necessarily about finding a cure, but it’s about helping people find a better quality of life day by day,” she explained.

The walk had a 150 people out to show their support, donate and walk in support of those who have Parkinson Disease. Metcalf said they hope to raise $25,000 dollars for the association this year, but they won’t have the final numbers until October, as donations will keep coming in.

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“Everybody is here because there is some sort of a connection that they have with Parkinson disease and probably what you’ll see is people wearing stickers on their back or maybe on their shoulder I am walking for, that’s why they’re here, they’re either walking for someone who has Parkinson or someone they knew,” she said.

Parkinson disease is a chronic illness that can effect each person differently said Metcalf. She went on to explain that typically those diagnosed will have difficulties with movement and mobility due to rigid muscles. This causes a person to take small steps and shuffle as they walk.