Earl Power of Charlottetown, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in early 2017, expects close to 50 friends and family members to join him in the SuperWalk on Sept. 8 in Charlottetown. The walk, held across Canada, raises money to support research, advocacy, support groups and education. - Jim Day
CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. —
Earl Power’s positive nature was delivered a major test the day he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The news, coming in early 2017, was devastating.
He was consumed with negative thoughts.
He knew people with the progressive, degenerative brain disorder that were shaking all the time - not a pleasant image.
Quickly, though, Power drew on his familiar upbeat demeanor.
He was determined from the start to do whatever he could to manage the condition as best he could.
Power, 70, of Charlottetown follows a routine that consists of saying a few prayers in the morning, taking medication – he takes Levodopa three times a day to improve his muscle control – and getting out in the public.
He embraces each day, whether playing golf with his buddies or simply going out for a cup of coffee.
“I have a daily program,’’ he says.
“I don’t worry about tomorrow. Yesterday’s gone. I just live for today. Whatever happens today happens.’’
Parkinson’s SuperWalk set for P.E.I.
- The Parkinson Canada SuperWalk is taking place across the country this month, including two locations on Prince Edward Island.
- Since 1990, walkers have raised more than $38 million to support a better life for Canadians living with Parkinson’s disease. Roughly 500 Islanders have Parkinson’s, which is a progressive, degenerative brain disorder.
- The walk is taking place in P.E.I. on Sept. 7, starting at Centennial Park in O’Leary at 2 p.m. with check-in at 1 p.m. and on Sept. 8, starting at HMCS Queen Charlotte in Charlottetown at 2 p.m. with 1 p.m. check-in.
- To learn more about the SuperWalk, including registration and fundraising, call 1-800-565-3000 or visit superwalk.ca.
Support seems to exist at every turn.
He calls Hennie, his wife of 51 years, his rock.
“She’s just a wonderful person,’’ he says.
He also feels blessed to have many family and friends gladly taking active part in his journey with Parkinson’s.
When he laces up for the annual SuperWalk fundraiser in Charlottetown on Sept. 8, he can expect 45 to 50 friends and family members to join along.
“I’m the luckiest fella in the world with so many friends,’’ he says.
“I’ve got the best friends…and a lot of family support.’’
Power takes part in musical therapy to help with his voice and to strengthen muscles for swallowing.
He also finds great value in attending a monthly support group that commonly attracts 25 to 35 people.
He says the gatherings offer the opportunity to discuss common issues, discussing something as simple as how to better limber up the fingers to make buttoning up a shirt easier to do.
He makes a point of going to talk to someone new to the support group to help them feel at ease.
“When I went first,’’ he recalls, “there was a couple of people came and approached me that really made me feel better because I didn’t know what to expect or how I would be accepted.’’
Irene Doyle, chairwoman of the P.E.I. chapter of Parkinson Canada, describes Power as a man filled with joy and happiness.
“He is a person who looks on the bright side of life,’’ she says.
“Earl is a person who always has a smile on his face and is ready to make anyone laugh at any moment.’’
Power concedes there are down days with Parkinson’s. He also knows his condition will become progressively worse.
Still, he says the disease will not dictate his mood.
The father of three is eager to highlight his many blessings.
He had a long, successful career as a sales manager in the automobile business. He put in an impressive 45 years with the Parkdale Sherwood Lions Club.
And he does not plan to let Parkinson’s prevent him from enjoying life going forward.
“I don’t have time for me to get too depressed about it,’’ he says.
“I’m going to die with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s is not going to kill me. I’ll fight it to the end.’’
https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/lifestyles/health/charlottetown-pei-man-takes-positive-approach-to-living-with-parkinsons-345203/
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