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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

On April 11, World Parkinson Day, we will join Parkinson’s communities across Canada as we all Stand Up to Parkinson’s. Together, we will commit to complete 100,000 in Alberta and 1,000,000 across Canada.

Join us in Edmonton and Calgary for a fun-filled active morning on Thursday April 11 and let’s raise awareness for those with Parkinson disease and Parkinson Plus Syndromes. We’ve got a pancake breakfast, local guest speakers, activities and more!

Register by choosing your city below and track your sit ‘n stands

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 17 at 12 PM

Terra Fairbanks, BSc

Understanding Low-intensity Focused Ultrasound for Potential Use in Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

April 10 at 12 PM

Raissa Cristina Souza de Andrade

Collaborative AI for Improving Diagnosis of Parkinson Disease

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

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