Parkinson Society Canada's SuperWalk raises record amount

Sep 14 2009

SuperWalk for Parkinson's raised a record $2.46 million this year. Lauren Collins, star of Degrassi: The Next Generation, unveiled the new look SuperWalk for 2010 at this year's Toronto walk. Collins, left, walked with her mother, Sari, for her father who has had Parkinson's for over 20 years.

"I want my dad to know how much I support him in his every day struggle with this disease. He's my hero and I am 100 per cent behind him," said the 22 year old actress. Lauren's father, Stan Collins, was diagnosed with Parkinson's just after she was born. "I have never known a time when my dad was not struggling with this debilitating disease. Every day presents new challenges with balance, walking, speaking. I want to help any way I can," said Collins.

Thirteen thousand walkers turned out across the country to support Parkinson Society Canada to raise funds for education, support, research and advocacy on behalf of the over 100,000 Canadians who have Parkinson's.

"This has been the biggest turnout ever," said Paul McNair, Associate National Director of SuperWalk. "We are very excited to launch our re-brand for next year which will be the event's 20th anniversary."

Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease that results in tremor, slowness in movements, muscle stiffness and problems with balance.

www.parkinson.ca