As Covid-19 takes another swipe at us, we will continue to look for other ways rather than the norm to accomplish our required tasks, reach our desired goals and even create new opportunities. Without the “all clear” to lift the isolation order and start to mingle in some form less than 1.5 metres apart any time soon, we struggle to plan for even small events, let alone large events that provide a ‘feeling of connection” with whatever community you associate. As a Person With Parkinson’s (PWP) that community is my Parkinson’s Peterborough Chapter (PPC) where we support and help each other to live well.
Our annual Parkinson’s SuperWalk has been successful in raising over $765,000.00 over 24 years and we hope to clear the $800,000 mark in this, our 25th Super Walk, in the 40th anniversary of the Chapter. But what about Covid-19? How can we have our typical gathering of over 100 people in a school gym and walking the trails in groups? Even now there are restrictions for people waking outside for exercise. I for one have always used walking as my go to therapy and was looking forward to event and seeing some people in the community for the first time. There will be more Zoom calls and side meetings as the powers that be find a solution to this dilemma before it is finally resolved!
So what am supposed to do in these uncertain times? I’ve decided to WALK! That’s right just walk. Not trying to go anywhere but everyday walk to celebrate the generosity of the people of Peterborough in donating to support Parkinson’s research and education programs that make living well with Parkinson’s easier and more attainable for people like me. So how far should I walk? My current goal is to walk 800,000 steps (467 km) by September 12, our SuperWalk date for 2020. I hope to encourage donations (my goal is $2,000) to Parkinson’s Canada all summer (135 days) averaging 6000 steps (3.5 km) per day as I meet my milestones. So if you see me on Facebook, follow me on my website www.joewithpd.com or check the Parkinson Canada SuperWalk website for my page. Thanks in advance for your support and donations.
