Jean Nykyforuk may be 86, but she has no intention of letting Parkinson’s disease slow her down.
Every day, sprightly Nykyforuk jumps on her walker and goes for a stroll into Steveston Village or to the community centre for her thrice-weekly exercise classes.
She’s been coping with the debilitating and progressively worsening symptoms of Parkinson’s for more than 15 years.
But come this Saturday around 1:30 p.m., Nykyforuk will be one of the first in line at the annual Parkinson SuperWalk at Minoru Track.
“I was able to walk quite a distance before (Parkinson’s) started,” said Nykyforuk, who taught childhood development at post-secondary level before retiring.
“I played tennis and walked a lot, as well as skiing and hiking. It’s good to be active, you feel better if you’re active.
“Life does go on, though. My advice (for people recently diagnosed) is to get involved, be active, come and meet other people, join us.”
Nykyforuk said people are “very helpful when they realize I have a disability, when in a shop or somewhere.
“But I feel it’s still a little known disease. I still have to point it out to them.”
Asked what the key is to keeping on top of Parkinson’s – for which there is no known cure – Nykyforuk said she was “not sure.”
Cutting her off, however, was her daughter, Ann Nykyforuk, the coordinator for Richmond’s Parkinson SuperWalk.
“I’d say stubborn determination to keep going and not let the disease get the better of you, mom,” Ann chipped in.
“There’s a real emphasis on living well with Parkinson’s; there’s no cure, but there are lots of things people can do to make life better. The community centres are a big help.”
Ann said she’s hoping to get somewhere between 75 and 100 people out on Saturday, weather being a factor.
“We have two lanes booked off at the track and we will have lots of information for people to take away and ways for them to connect with agencies and groups,” added Ann.
“We will also have entertainment from the Lulu Island Strummers and refreshments from Save-On Foods, as well as door prizes.
“It’s a great way for people with Parkinson’s, and for those whose loved ones are affected, to come out and meet people in the same situation.”
There will be a welcome address at 1 p.m. on Saturday, followed by a warm-up at around 1:30 p.m. before the walkers get started.
“We will go until about 2:15 p.m. or as long as people want to go, there is no requirement,” said Ann.
“Donations can be made on the day or just come and enjoy the fun and show your support.
“Every year, there are a few people that come out who are very new to (Parkinson’s) and haven’t made any connections.”
SuperWalk is the largest fundraising event for Parkinson Society BC and is held in cities throughout the province. Richmond has held a walk since 2013.
Approximately 13,000 British Columbians have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s.
Due to the aging population, the incidence of Parkinson’s is expected to double by 2040. Parkinson’s not only affects those with the disease, it also affects family members and carers.
For more information, visit Parkinson.bc.ca/SuperWalk.
