More than $37,000 raised at Parkinson Superwalk in Kamloops

“We kind of just organized it last minute. My Mom just got diagnosed a couple of months ago,” Kia Schneider explains. “We wanted to just rally around her to show her she is supported and she’s got all of us to stand behind her.”

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease vary greatly from case to case. For Rita Schneider, she found that once she got the official diagnosis and began her treatment, she saw her symptoms improve quickly.

“The medicine has really helped. The medication helped with my movement – less tremors and everything,” Schneider explains. “Just having my family and friends around to support me is the best.”

Bob Ritchie helped organize the Superwalk and is involved with both the official and unofficial Parkison Support Groups in Kamloops, both of which he finds immensely helpful.

“One of the biggest things with having Parkinson’s is that social contact,” Ritchie says. “The unofficial support group is great because we have a lot of laughs and all get along quite well. The official support group is really important too because money – funds from this – go to research, and there’s a ton of research being done in the US, Canada, Britain, and it changes all the time.”

According to neurologist Dr. Jennfer Takahashi, those connections are the key to living well and coping with the challenges Parkinson’s can throw in a person’s way.

“The secret sauce to living well and living long, it’s not about medication,” Dr. Takashi explains. “It’s about interconnection. It’s about relationships, and having meaningful friendships and meaningful relationships with your loved people.”

Rita’s Movers & Shakers pose for a group photo at the 2023 Parkinson Superwalk. (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

For the Schneider family, those connections were on full display.

“I’m thrilled. I never imagined we’d have this many people here. It’s just great,” Kia says. “Everybody loves Rita, and I’m so happy everyone’s here to support her.”

And with more than $37,000 dollars raised at this year’s Parkinson Superwalk in Kamloops, that support will go a long way.

by Adam Donnelly

More than $37,000 raised at Parkinson Superwalk in Kamloops

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