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Family Stories

Recently my wife, who has been struggling with Parkinson’s for 13 years, underwent a procedure at the University of Alberta hospital to receive a new way of administering her medication.  It is known as “DuoDopa”; a pump method of providing Sinemet (levodopa/ carbidopa) directly to the small intestine.

Colette, my wife and best friend was diagnosed with PD in 2005.  As we heard numerous time from others, the signs were there for many years before. “Getting Old” we thought.

Parkinson Association of Alberta was a lifeline for us as I began my PD journey and adapted to Edmonton’s medical community. There is no way this huge life change could have happened so smoothly without the support of PAA and their amazing staff.

“These care groups reinforce the feeling that we are not alone in dealing with PD.”

“This support group allows dad to have the support from others who can relate to him with Parkinson’s disease and how to continue on his journey. We as a family have learned so much about this disease and all the extras that come with it.”

“My life was changing, and I didn’t know how everyone would react.”

“My Dad has always been on this journey with her and is now completely responsible for all her care.  It started with him finishing her sentences when words wouldn’t come, then he took on more and eventually all of the cooking, cleaning, shopping and household tasks.”

Calgary-born-and-raised NHL defenceman, Jake Bean knows all about the importance of exercise and shared some motivational tips with us!

Telling your story as part of our Faces of Parkinson’s campaign is relatively easy. As one of our Storytellers, you aim to show the personal side of Parkinson disease by sharing your own unique experience.

A Storyteller can be anyone who has been affected by Parkinson disease or who has been involved with Parkinson Association of Alberta.

  • A person with Parkinson disease
  • A care partner, family member or friend
  • A health care or other professional who interacts and/or works with those who have Parkinson disease
  • A volunteer, donor or sponsor who has been involved with Parkinson Association of Alberta

We’re looking for your story, your experiences, your inspiration. Some ideas to help you get started are:

  • Your journey with Parkinson disease, be it as a whole or a piece of it (ie: DBS, dealing with the initial diagnosis, finding out about a loved one’s diagnosis, etc)
  • How living with Parkinson’s has inspired you to make a difference
  • How someone who is affected by PD inspires you
  • How Parkinson Association of Alberta has made a difference

Storytellers can write or record (audio or video) their stories; and stories will be shared in the Faces of Parkinson’s section of our website; written stories may also appear in our quarterly magazine. Please note that stories don’t have to be “stories” they can be poems, songs, or photo collages. Storytellers are encouraged to submit as many pieces as they choose.

  • Browse other stories to help get started
  • If you are writing your story/poem, please type it out in a Word document that can be electronically saved and email it to communications@parkinsonalberta.ca
  • If you are submitting a recording (audio or video) or photo/photo collage please forward it electronically to communications@parkinsonalberta.ca or mail it in on a memory stick/USB/thumb drive to:

ATTN: Marketing & Communications

Parkinson Association of Alberta Calgary Office
120, 6835 Railway St SE
Calgary, AB T2H 2V6