Be #Unshakeable for Parkinson Awareness Month
#Unshakeable Support Courage Attitude Drive Passion Energy Knowledge Determination Awareness Zeal Spirit
Around the world, April is known as Parkinson Awareness Month.
We all want to live life to the fullest, but for people with PD it might take a little more to get there. A little more drive, a little more optimism, and a little more support – and that’s the essence of the Unshakeable Spirit. 
For the entire month of April, the #Unshakeable campaign shines a light on the people and the stories of the PD community. We will feature the stories and faces that are meant to inspire, educate and help people know they are not alone in their Parkinson’s journey. All those impacted by PD, including people living with the disease, their care partners, medical professionals, and others are welcomed to participate.
#Unshakeable is a belief that as a community, we will rise up against Parkinson disease. We are inspired by the amazing individuals with PD and their families who participate in hundreds of clinical trails and health and wellness programs every day – both quietly and boldly.
Learn more about what the #Unshakeable spirit means to our community below. We encourage everyone to Get Involved, Learn More and Donate Now
Here's what you can do this April
#Unshakeable by continuing to LEARN about Parkinson’s disease
- Register for our Lunch & Learn Webinars
- Sign your family, friends, work, home for a PD 101
- Watch over 100 helpful videos uploaded on our YouTube channel
- Subscribe and read our Pulse Magazines
- Subscribe to our newsletters for the latest news
#Unshakeable in our SUPPORT for each other
- Become a monthly donor to help run one of our 40 Provincial Support Groups
- Register for your support group that fits you and your care partner’s needs
- Share your story on social media! Tag us @parkinsonassociationofalberta and use the hashtag #Unshakeable
- Call our Toll-Free line and reach our support staff
- Support us at our community fundraisers
#Unshakeable in our ACTIONS
- Donate $25/month to help support our weekly circuit classes
- Participate in our boxing and dance programs facilitated by our community partners
- Participate in our Stand Up to Parkinson’s event on April 11
- Watch our Motivation Monday Playlist on our YouTube Channel
- Register and socialize at our upcoming Spring Socials!
#Unshakeable because we continue to INSPIRE
- Donate now to help fund the important Alberta-based Parkinson’s research
- Share our stories of support, strength and resilience
- Become part of our community by signing up as a volunteer
- Partner with us and our community to spread awareness of Parkinson disease and Parkinson Plus Syndromes
Stand up to Parkinson's Event
Thank you to everyone who joined us on April 11th for Parkinson Awareness Day! Together, we were joined by over 100 people in both cities for a fun-filled active morning to raise awareness for those with Parkinson disease and Parkinson Plus Syndromes.
Thank you to Save-on-Foods Richmond Square Calgary and Sobeys Belmont Edmonton for donating our pancake supplies, Good Earth Coffee Calgary City Hall and Starbucks WEM for our coffee. And all of our volunteers who helped make this event so fun! Special shout out to the ConnectFirst Credit Union team in Calgary who volunteered as a team to support our event.
Keep tracking your Sit ‘n Stands with our tracking log.
What is a Sit 'n Stand?
A Sit ‘n Stand is the transitional movement going from a seated position to a upright standing position. They are a full body exercise that improves mobility, balance and strength for your whole body! They provide great benefits for those with Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes.
Grab a chair, sit down with your back straight and bring your arms forward so they are parallel with the floor. Use your lower body to pull yourself up to the upright standing position. Sit back down without lowering your arms.
Follow this YouTube video tutorial
Track your Sit ‘n Stands using this Sit ‘n Stand Tracker Form and update us at the end of the month by emailing communications@parkinsonassociation.ca or bring your forms to our Spring Socials! Do these daily as many times as you can!
Lunch & Learn Webinars
Register for our free weekly noon-hour webinars, and hear the latest news on the Parkinson’s research taking place right here in Alberta, and around the world!
April 3 at 12 PM
Dr. Fang Ba, MD, PhD, FRCPC and Dr. Davide Martino, MD, PhD
An Update on Alberta Based Research
April 10 at 12 PM
Raissa Cristina Souza de Andrade
Collaborative AI for Improving Diagnosis of Parkinson Disease
April 17 at 12 PM
Understanding Low-intensity Focused Ultrasound for Potential Use in Parkinson’s Disease Treatment
April 24 at 12 PM
Dr. Vibujithan Vigneshwaran, PhD
Opening the Blackbox of Artificial Intelligence for Medical Imaging
Mighty Maestro Singing Program
Mighty Maestro Singing is a singing workshop that is open to all of our Parkinson’s community, including care partners, family and friends.
The focus of this singing workshop is to focus on utilizing good breathing practice, louder voice volume and wider pitch range. We include stretching and posture activities, vocal exercises, rhythm and movement. Singing is fun, NO singing experience required! Singing can be both physically and emotionally invigorating, especially when practiced with others who share the same motivation and enthusiasm.
Come join Judi Spencer, Music Director of The World Parkinson’s Coalition and Brian Farrell, Vocal Coach and Music Mentor.
Program Details
- Date: Saturday April 20th from 1:00PM – 2:30PM
- Location: Southwood United Church (10690 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary)
- Cost: $25 members | $30 non-members
- Register: Call 1-800-561-1911 or email clientservices@parkinsonassociation.ca. Registration deadline: April 19
Light Up for Parkinson's
Join us all across Alberta to Spark the Night Up for Parkinson disease.
All the structures will be lighting the night blue on Thursday April 11th, 2024. Share with us your photos on social media and tag us at @parkinsonassociationofalberta and use #Unshakeable
What's happening for Parkinson Awareness Month
For all Parkinson Awareness Month events, visit our Events page
