A few years ago, when Alan Reynolds went to see his neurologist, he had no idea he was about to be diagnosed with a life-altering disease.
Instead of discussing nerve issues, Reynolds, 86, discovered he, in fact, had the early onset of Parkinson’s disease.
Three and half years later, the retired United Church of Canada minister is still living with the incurable illness, which has, predictably, progressed to dominate his daily routine.
“(The diagnosis) came out of the blue; my neurologist noticed I wasn’t swinging my arms properly,” said Reynolds.
“(The disease) is marching on, but slowly. At my age, the doctors think they can control it.
“It’s a funny thing, it comes out of nowhere; one day I’m fine and the next day, rotten. I get staggery and also have bladder issues.”
Parkinson’s, however, doesn’t stop the soft-spoken Reynolds, who lives in Steveston with his care-giver wife, Brenda, and gets out for long walks at least two or three times a week.
So he’ll be in good shape for this Saturday’s SuperWalk at the running track at Minoru Park, where hundreds of people living with or connected to Parkinson’s will converge to walk, spin their wheelchairs or push their walkers in order to raise awareness of the disease and funds to help search for a cure.
“I’m pretty good that way,” said Reynolds. “I get out for frequent walks, so I’m looking forward to this one.”
Reynolds’ general condition, he says, has also been boosted by his participation in the Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery program at Steveston Community Centre three times a week.
“It is helping so much,” he said.
“When I was diagnosed, the emphasis was all on the medication; but together with the (wellness program), it’s making a big difference.”
The wellness program is following the recent trend of emphasizing exercise in the treatment of Parkinson’s.
This past winter and spring, a disease-specific program was held at Minoru Seniors’ Centre and Steveston Community Centre.
The classes were, by all accounts, enthusiastically received by people with Parkinson’s and will be expanded next fall.
Registration for SuperWalk on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Minoru Track will begin at 1 p.m., followed by a short opening ceremony at 1:30 p.m.
A warm-up stretch with fitness instructors will precede the walk itself, set to begin at 1:45 p.m. and last for about 30 minutes.
Organizers say members of the public are welcome to come out to take part, cheer on other walkers and help raise some funds. Light refreshments will be available.
For more information, go online to Parkinson.bc.ca
The SuperWalk is the most important national awareness and fundraising event for the Parkinson’s community. It takes place across Canada, with more than 20 walks in B.C.
In 2015, walkers and sponsors raised $411,000 in B.C. and $2.9 million across Canada.
Parkinson’s is a neurological disorder and is the second most common chronic neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease.
Due to the aging population, the number of individuals over 40 living with Parkinson’s is expected to increase 65 per cent by 2031.
