White Rock resident bringing Parkinson SuperWalk back to the city, raising awareness about disease – Peace Arch News

Liz Holroyd with her husband Scott created the White Rock Parkinson Walk and are excited for its triumphant in-person return. (Contributed photo)

Liz Holroyd is an advocate for Parkinsons Disease awareness and research after being diagnosed

White Rocks Parkinsons SuperWalk will be returning next month, with the creator of the group reminding the city of how crucial it is to bring awareness to the disease and funds to help combat it.

Liz Holroyd started the White Rock Walk after going through a really scary time from being diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease in 2010.

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With her husband Scott, Holroyd began participating in multiple Walks in Langley, but they wanted to create one in their own community to get the city involved in the campaign.

The full, in-person Superwalk had to be put on hold because of social distancing measures during the pandemic. After going virtual last year, the full-scale event is back this September for the first time since 2019.

Holroyd is excited to bring the walk back, in hopes of also inspiring others to think of Parkinson Society B.C. when considering donating.

When you dont gather in person, you dont have the same connection. We still had significant contributions but it did drop, she said.

Parkinson Society B.C. supports those with the disease to access resources, learn about how their lives will be altered, teach families on how to best-support their loved ones with Parkinsons and more.

Parkinsons Disease is the fastest growing neurological disorder, with cases constantly going up every year.

Funds raised through the campaign will help the Society continue to offer these services and support research to find a cure one day.

Although symptoms of the disease typically begin when someone is in their 60s, it is possible for it to strike early, resulting in Young-Onset Parkinsons Disease.

When I was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2010, the first place I went was Parkinsons Society to fully understand what was out there for me now, Holroyd said.

Its a real curveball when you get diagnosed with a chronic illness and at first you dont know, Wow, what is this going to mean for me? You know, I was working.

After visiting the organization, Holroyd was able to meet other people with the same illness as her, them finding a community with each other.

Its kind of nice because we all get it, the things that were feeling, she said.

One of the few forms of treatment for those living with Parkinsons is a drug therapy involving the medicine, Levodopa, which gets converted into dopamine in the brain. This combats the dopamine loss that is associated with Parkinsons Disease.

For some, Levodopa works wonders, but for others, side effects may be too strong for them to see the benefits, Holroyd said.

I had a really bad tremor on my right side and when I took the Levodopa it took me a while to go on it because its a bit nerve-wrecking to go on it When I took it, within 48 hours, it completely masked my tremor.

Holroyd does experience some side effects from the treatment, but they are manageable, she said. Her biggest symptom of Parkinsons is fatigue, saying that she can fall asleep in the middle of a conversation.

For this years SuperWalk, Holroyd is looking to bring attention and appreciation to care partners of those living with Parkinsons Disease. For her own experience, Holroyd said she could not have gone through the doctors appointments, treatment and everything else without her husband Scott walking every step with her.

The White Rock Parkinson SuperWalk is scheduled for September 11, with registration at 9 a.m. and the walk commencing at 10 a.m. City of White Rock Coun. Dave Chesney will be the emcee of the event. To view the walking-route or donate, visit parkinson.bc.ca/superwalk and contact Liz Holroyd with any local inquiries at 604-317-9599.

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White Rock resident bringing Parkinson SuperWalk back to the city, raising awareness about disease - Peace Arch News