Hello John,

Our names are Doug and Deborah, and we are siblings whose parents were both diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

From our own family's experience and our connection to others in the Parkinson's community, we have a lot to share about the amazing things that can be achieved after a Parkinson's diagnosis.

But the first thing we want to do is urge you to join us and make a donation today! We give annually and are pleased to continue our parents’ legacies by supporting Parkinson Canada with participation in community events throughout the year.

We are forever grateful for the amazing memories we have as a family thanks to our mom and dad. After their Parkinson's diagnosis in their 70s, they arranged family vacations with their children - that's us! - and their grandchildren. We have carried the tradition forward with our own families – our parents’ legacy.

Our mom was diagnosed first. Since Parkinson’s is a chronic progressive disease, her condition worsened over 15 years or so until it took her life. She received excellent care at the hospital in Toronto. At her regular checkups, the doctors monitored her symptoms and provided her with increasing levels of support. The team compassionately explained how Parkinson’s was impacting our mom physically and psychologically.

Dad's 90th birthday is a particularly sweet memory. We rented a party bus – complete with interior flashing lights – and went on a wine tour. All the grandchildren came and we made a day of it. Dad was the only one who didn’t fall asleep on the way home. He just sat with his granddaughter – all 6’1” of her – curled up in his lap and stroked her hair. He had the biggest smile on his face. Although he had his wheelchair with him, he didn’t have to use it; he was filled with energy that day.

We've learned a lot about courage and positive attitude from others with Parkinson's disease, too. We've met numerous people who wouldn't let their Parkinson's diagnosis stand in the way of getting married, for example. And our parents set a great example in terms of staying active, as they were very aware that exercise helped with their symptoms. Dad even took up yoga later in life – it just goes to show that learning new things is still possible.

Parkinson Canada is important to us because of the resources they provide to people diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Understanding the disease and its progression makes it easier to deal with. Ultimately, our hope is for anyone with this disease to have the best care and to be optimistic about future treatments. Your donation today will help to make that possible.

Sincerely,
Doug and Deborah MacLeod

P.S. Please make your donation before it’s too late! All donations received by Parkinson’s Canada by 11:59pm ET on December 31 are eligible for a 2023 tax receipt.

parkinson.ca | [email protected]
Toll-free: 1-800-565-3000

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