(Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Dylana Milobar

PARKINSON'S SUPERWALK

Parkinson’s diagnosis changes lifestyle and goals for Kamloops couple

Sep 5, 2019 | 4:17 PM

KAMLOOPS — After 60 years of marriage, Gordon and Rhona Armes have weathered many of life’s ups and downs. Most recently, Parkinson’s disease.

“Rhona was diagnosed with Parkinson’s about five years ago,” explains Gordon, “It slowly progressed from there, and it eventually got to where she’s going to need more services, so that moved us into town.”

The move to assisted care at The Residence in Kamloops has been a major lifestyle change. The couple lived on a ranch in Pinantan Lake for 35 years prior to the diagnosis, and Rhona was a very active artist.

She says acting on that passion has had to be put on hold for now.

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“I don’t have anywhere to go, because of course my studio was left on the ranch. But I’m planning,” she says. “I have all sorts of things running around in my head, and they want to come out.”

Living with Parkinson’s has not been easy for Rhona, and transitioning into a caregiving role has been a big change for Gordon, but both have been finding ways to enjoy the new way of life.

“We’ll do as much as we can just to get moving as best we can,” Gordon says. “We’re going to go on a cruise here, up to Alaska in a couple of weeks, so we’ll try it and see how Rhona makes out.”

“(To) celebrate our 60 years of marriage,” she chimes in.

Since the diagnosis, the couple has become involved in the Parkinson’s Society and local support group, which is hosting the annual Parkinson’s Superwalk in Kamloops on Saturday (Sept. 7).

The Superwalk is the largest annual fundraiser for the Parkinson’s Society of BC, and organizers hope to raise as much money as they can for research and support.

Organizer Brian White says they’re expecting about 200 people to come out for the event, should the warm weather prevail.

“The biggest thing is to go down and register for the walk, and hopefully you can bring a little money to add to the cause because Parkinson’s BC counts on this walk to raise the money for the year.”

Registration begins at 10:00 a.m Saturday morning, and the walk is set to begin around 11:00 a.m from the Riverside Park bandshell. (To donate online, click here)

Money raised stays in BC, and goes toward Parkinson’s research, and support programs to improve the quality of life for people living with the disease. According to the Society, about 13,000 people are living with the disease in British Columbia.

“Life can be good with Parkinson’s.” White says. “Don’t let it get you down. Be strong, and keep at it.”