Organizers of the Cochrane Parkinson's Step 'n Stride are calling for more registrants and donors as the annual event gets ready to kick off in two weeks. This year, the Cochrane chapter of the Parkinson's Association of Alberta has set a fundraising goal of $30,000 and so far have raised $4,605. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder often affecting a person's speech and mobility. There is no cure for it yet. Dulcie Webb, a member of the Cochrane chapter, said she's hoping for more than 20 teams and at least 130 walkers, similar to last year's event. Webb, who suffers from Parkinson's, said the event is meant to shed light on the disease and provide support to those affected by it. "Parkinson's is very important to me because people don't realize that it's a disease that already affects a great many Canadians and it will affect more," Webb said. "As our population ages, there will be more and more cases of Parkinson's and people don't realize it's also a disease that hits younger people – Michael J. Fox got Parkinson's when he was in his late 20s." Webb said she will be walking along with family members. "You'll see that it's a huge family outpouring because the teams are made up of families and friends," she said.'' The event will consist of a five-kilometre walk, a small health fair with five to seven vendors with products for Parkinson's. There will also be a piper to start the walk with Mayor Jeff Genung as the emcee and a barbecue to follow. The fun van will be on site with activities for children. The walk is free to register. To register or to donate, visit www.parkinsonassociation.ca/stepnstride and select "Cochrane. "There is also a Parkinson's Cochrane group which meets at St. Andrew’s United Church on the second Thursday of each month. "The group supports those with Parkinson's but also those that live with or care for a person with Parkinson's. The group is chaired by a member of the provincial office in Calgary, which supplies speakers, workshops and multiple services and supports," Webb said. "When I met the wonderful folks in this group, they made me realize that you can live life fully with Parkinson's even as the disease advances. Some have been living with Parkinson's for 30 years or more and are an absolute inspiration."
