Randy Thomas is taking the steps to find a cure for Parkinson's disease and he's hoping others will join him.
Thomas, of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, is participating in the 19th annual Parkinson SuperWalk on Sept. 7 in Stanley Park. This will be his second time walking with his team, the TWN Wolf Pack.
Thomas, who was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's disease more than two years ago, says he's doing the walk to find a cure.
"It's my everyday struggle," says Thomas. "I don't want anybody else to go through the same thing I do."
The SuperWalks - which take place in 110 communities across Canada, including 21 B.C. communities - run from Sept. 6 to 13. It is the largest national fundraising event for Parkinson's disease, raising $2.76 million last year and around $27 million since 2000.
Thomas individually raised more than $4,700 last year and was joined by 67 walkers from his team, including family and friends.
"This year our goal was to reach at least 100 people to join the walk behind me, supporting me, and to raise over $5,000," he says.
The number of team members had reached more than half of Thomas's goal by Aug. 14.
Around 14,000 participants from across the country organize and take part in the walk. This year's goal is to raise $425,000 in B.C. and $3 million nationwide. Proceeds from the walk go towards research, education and support services provided by Parkinson Society B.C. The walks are a good way to raise awareness, says Thomas, because they help spread the word about the disease across the country.
"It just shows that people are aware of it and are willing to help find a cure," he says.
It means a lot to him, Thomas says, having so many people taking part in the walk.
"It shows how my community helps one another no matter what the situation is," he says. "The feelings are overwhelming."
Parkinson's disease is a degenerative neurological disorder with symptoms that include tremors, postural instability and difficulty talking, walking and swallowing. There are an estimated 11,000 British Columbians living with the disease and there is no known cause or cure.
To donate to Thomas's team visit their personal page on the SuperWalk website.
