The inaugural Port Elgin event was held in 2016 on September 11 and saw over 90 people participate. The 2017 event is set for September 10.

On Sunday, September 10, Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario will host the WALK-IT for Parkinson’s, inviting walkers from Port Elgin, Kincardine and the surrounding area as they come together at North Shore Park to support those living with Parkinson’s disease. All funds raised at the event will remain in Southwestern Ontario.

With regular physical activity proven to slow progression of Parkinson’s symptoms, it is the WALK-IT for Parkinson’s mission to keep the Parkinson’s community active and all the funds raised at the September event will stay in Southwestern Ontario.

At 2:00 p.m., pledged walkers will put on their pedometers and begin their 1km to 5km walk to join the 5,000,000 Step Challenge across the region.

Shelley Rivard, CEO of Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario, is excited to see the WALK-IT for Parkinson’s events continue to grow and help local communities. “WALK-IT for Parkinson’s encourages communities to focus on exercise and movement - not only through the event but in participants’ daily lives. Combine this with local fundraising and we can make a positive impact for those affected by Parkinson’s in Southwestern Ontario.”

Pamela Nagle of Port Elgin knows full well the impact a local event can have on the Parkinson’s community. Nagle and her husband Shawn first became involved with the walk after Shawn was diagnosed with the disease in 2010. “It’s wonderful to see the money raised stay in our area,” said Pamela. “You just never know when the money raised at events like WALK-IT for Parkinson’s could lead to a major discovery that could help people living with Parkinson’s all over the world.”

Parkinson’s is a slow, progressive neurodegenerative disorder, making activities of daily living difficult. Primary symptoms include tremor, rigidity, slow movement, postural instability, loss of balance control, soft speech and sleep disturbances. Other symptoms include depression, anxiety, dementia, memory problems and difficulty with communication.

To register or find out more information about the Port Elgin WALK-IT for Parkinson’s event, visit their page at www.walk-it.ca.