The Parkinson SuperWalk continues to be an important fundraiser for Parkinson Canada, but this year it had a new wrinkle.
Estevan’s Parkinson’s SuperWalk was held on Sept. 5 at the walking track at Affinity Place. Twenty-six people of all ages participated, raising $3,790 for Parkinson Canada. Additional donations are still coming in.
New for this year was the selection of an Everyday Hero. Vince McGillicky led the walk that night and cut the cake that was enjoyed after the walk.
He also donned a red superhero’s cape to mark that he was the Everyday Hero.
In an interview he did with Madeline Cribb of Parkinson.ca website, and which was shared with Southeast Lifestyles, McGillicky noted he was diagnosed with the disease seven years ago. For a couple of years before the diagnosis, he noticed walking was becoming an issue. He would stutter step before he’d get going, and he would freeze in doorways. He knew something wasn’t right, so he started seeing doctors and specialists to find out what the problem was. He was eventually diagnosed with the disease.
After it was determined he has Parkinson’s, he attended the walk in Regina, but when a group was formed in Estevan, he joined it and they started having a walk of their own.
McGillicky noted Parkinson’s hasn’t stopped him from walking.
“Last year I entered five five-kilometre walks/runs that were in our area. My daughter Leigh-Ann and I walked in these walks. I have won first place and second place medals for winning my age group in these walks. I believe that people with Parkinson’s need to be exercising or doing some type of exercise, and I’ve found walking is the best for me. Days that I don’t do my walks, I find a difference with my Parkinson’s.”
Since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, he’s noticed walking means more to him now than it did before.
“I believe the SuperWalk is a good way to motivate people to get out and move around more. It’s a great cause, raising money for maybe someday finding a cure to this disease.”
He was still working at SaskPower’s Boundary Dam Power Station when he was diagnosed. He loved seeing his co-workers and visiting with them every day, and he tried to continue with his job even after the diagnosis, but it became tougher. Eventually he had to retire.
“That was the hardest part, having to admit to myself that I couldn’t do things anymore like I have been used to doing.”
McGillicky said he enjoys going to the monthly Parkinson’s meetings in Estevan, and talking with people who understand what he’s going through and listening to the caregivers who also deal with them and the disease. It might be harder on the caregivers, as they have to watch their loved ones struggle every day.
“I’ve learned a lot about this disease from reading the many books that are about Parkinson’s, that this disease is different in each person. Some may be bothered with one thing that another person isn’t bothered with.”
In his case, his wife Sandra is so supportive of him. If he needs help, she’s there for him, and if he doesn’t want help then she knows when to back off.
