Niagara gearing up for annual Parkinson’s SuperWalk

Aug. 19, 2016

Photo submitted – Bob Muir surrounded by his “crew,” his children and grandchildren after competing in last year’s SuperWalk.

Chances are you know Bob Muir: A former principal of Welland High School and Centennial Secondary School. A former football and basketball coach. A long-time member and co-chair of the Tribune Basketball Tournament committee. Many, many other community involvements as well.

Chances are you don’t know Bob Muir will take part in his third Parkinson SuperWalk next month. Bob has Parkinson’s.

“I just want to raise awareness and educate the community about Parkinson’s Disease,” said Bob, 75.

Though he did not play sports, his days of being on the sidelines are over since his diagnosis four years ago. That’s because Bob has become dedicated to exercising, as exercise has been found to help slow Parkinson’s progress though the body.

Now, Bob works out with a personal trainer, takes part in the local VON exercise classes, walks at the Seaway Mall and will shortly begin rehab sessions at the Ludzik Rehab Centre at Shaver Hospital. He is even taking part in a specialized boxing program.

More than 100,000 Canadians live with Parkinson’s, a disease of the brain that touches almost every aspect of daily living including movement, mood, speech, ability to smell, eating and drinking, sleeping and cognitive abilities. It worsens over time, robbing a person of their independence through increasing disability and can ultimately result in premature death. A cure can’t wait.

Bob’s family knows this. That’s why, for example, his five grandchildren come out to support their grandfather at the SuperWalk. You can join Bob and his family and become an everyday hero, inspiring hope for Canadians living with Parkinson’s as well as their families and caregivers by taking part in the walk or supporting someone who is.

Here’s why it’s important: “Events like Parkinson’s SuperWalk enable us to deliver needed services within the community and fund research into improved treatments and a cure,” said Maureen Thun, Niagara SuperWalk co-ordinator.

FAST FACTS:

• WHAT: 26th annual Parkinson SuperWalk
• WHEN: Sunday, September 11, 2016. Check in, 12 noon, Welcoming ceremony 1 p.m.
• WHERE: Grantham Lions Club, 732 Niagara St., St. Catharines.
• REGISTER: At www.ParkinsonSuperWalk.ca look for Niagara Region

Source – press release by Heather Muir

http://eriemedia.ca/niagara-gearing-annual-parkinsons-superwalk/