Brandon’s Brad Gordon Prepares for Parkinson SuperWalk Event

Brad Gordon, a resident of Brandon, Manitoba, is gearing up to participate in the upcoming Parkinson Canada SuperWalk, which will take place in Winnipeg on October 7, 2023. Gordon, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease three years ago, aims to raise awareness and funds for research while sharing his personal journey with the condition.

About three years ago, Gordon first noticed a slight tremor in his right thumb, a symptom that was soon followed by shaking in his right leg. “I was up on a ladder going, ‘OK, when are you going to stop shaking?’” he recalled. “That’s the thing about Parkinson’s — you don’t know how it’s going to manifest. It is mind-boggling.”

Parkinson’s disease, described as the fastest-growing neurological condition globally, affects approximately 110,000 Canadians, with over 4,150 individuals affected in Manitoba alone, according to Parkinson Canada. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as uncontrollable movements, stiffness, and difficulties with walking and talking due to the degeneration of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Currently, there is no known cure.

Gordon, now 62, walks between three to five miles each week to remain mobile. He views his participation in the SuperWalk as a crucial opportunity to both fundraise and promote awareness of the challenges faced by those living with Parkinson’s. “Fundraising leads to awareness, and when awareness is important, people understand that better services would be important and that more research would be important,” he explained. Gordon and his wife, Teresa, have already raised over $1,000 for the event and are continuing to accept donations.

Since its inception in 1990, the SuperWalk has raised more than $45 million for research and support initiatives, as noted by Scott McMillan, a representative from Parkinson Canada. He emphasized the importance of ongoing research and support, highlighting that many individuals face long wait times for diagnosis and treatment. “We don’t have a lot of disease-modifying therapies right now,” McMillan stated, indicating the need for a new strategic plan to provide centralized information on available treatments.

For individuals like Gordon, the journey with Parkinson’s can feel isolating. “It’s a tough diagnosis, and you don’t want to face it alone,” McMillan said. He urged the importance of community support, particularly for those living in rural areas.

In Brandon, support groups play a critical role in fostering connection among those affected by Parkinson’s. A Parkinson’s support group meets monthly at the Riverbank Discovery Centre, offering a space for individuals and their families to connect. Valerie Poersch, who organizes a separate social group, noted that their gatherings offer a safe space for “like-minded people” to enjoy meals and share experiences. Her husband, Norm, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 18 years ago.

The social group meets on the last Friday of each month at Aaltos restaurant, where attendees can enjoy lunch and engage with various speakers on topics such as occupational therapy. “We need our social support group because when one of the couple has Parkinson’s, your social group shrinks,” Poersch explained.

As the SuperWalk approaches, Gordon is hopeful for the future. “Future Brad would like better drugs and maybe a cure,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research and community awareness.

For those interested in donating to this Saturday’s SuperWalk, further information is available by calling 1-888-664-1973. The Brandon social lunch group can also be found on Facebook under “Parkinsons Social Group.”