Parkinson’s Awareness Month

 

For me, this picture from my wedding day really symbolizes my fight to help make lives better for those with Parkinsons. As a regional spokesperson for the Parkinson Society Central & Northern Ontario it’s been my mission to spread hope and awareness. And it all stems from the man you see in this shot. It has been three years since my Grandfather passed away from a valiant fight with the neurological disease. I say it came at us like a freight train. We had the rug pulled from beneath us after his diagnosis and continued to watch what was (for us) a fast deterioration. That doesn’t have to be your reality though. There is support with groups like the Parkinson Society. Reach out to your local chapter. Buy tulips this month when you see the volunteers at a busy hub near you. Check out great community events like the yearly Superwalk. I believe that more moments like the one in this picture can happen for the 100,000 Canadians living with Parkinsons. All while we never give up hope for a cure. This April is Parkinson Awareness month. Check out the Parkinson Society for more information, to donate to the cause or to get involved.

 

 

Supporting the Alzheimer’s Society

It’s been over a year since I lost my grandmother to Alzheimer’s and I’m honoured to be sharing the story of her beautiful soul as I emcee an upcoming event for the Alzheimers Society of Toronto. Sharing experiences is one way we can all cope with this horrible disease. Click Here: Saphia Khambalia’s connection to Alzheimer’s to read more.

 

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Happy New Year!

Thank you to all of you for following along this site. Hoping that 2015 will bring you all much love and joy! I’m counting our blessings this year and am so humbled to have partnered up with some incredible organizations to give back to others in need. Special shout-out to the Oakville Parent-Child Centre. Here’s a snap from this years Breakfast with Santa 2014. 400 attendees, many singing children and of course the big man in red. Along with my special little helper, I was so happy to be the Emcee this year. If you’d like more info check out their site! Cheers to all and best of luck for this year!

 

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Parkinson Society Central & Northern Ontario`s SuperWalk Raises Upwards of $1,000,000!!

It`s announcements like this that make me so humbled and honoured to act as the Regional Spokesperson of such an incredible organization. On behalf of families like mine I want to say thank you to all the supporters and participants involved in this years SuperWalk! One Million dollars and counting has been raised by our region! A huge amount that will go far in the search for a cure and support for those fighting Parkinson`s! I am overwhelmed by your generosity and goodwill!

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Everyday Heroes. Extrodinary Hope.

I’m always proud to participate in the Parkinson SuperWalk! Thanks for having me back again this year to speak to the crowd. It was an especially emotional time – this is the first event I’ve been at since my Grandfather’s passing. He loved listening to the stories of those that fought the disease alongside him and this year was no different. Check out the video as the Citytv cameras were there to support the largest national fundraising event for Parkinson Society Canada! Tens of thousands of participants from coast-to-coast get involved. Last year close to 3 million dollars were raised for support services, research and advocacy….and most of all for continued HOPE!

I’d love to see you out at the Toronto walk next year! Visit parkinsonsuperwalk.ca for more information, to donate to the cause, or get involved as a volunteer! OR: There are hundreds of walks across the country, find one or start one near you! Thanks for reading!!

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Hamilton’s True Love Story

It’s been a tough couple months for my family and I. Many of you know, I have done work for the Parkinson and Alzheimer Societies, inspired by my beloved grandparents who were respectively fighting each disease. Now, I’d like to share this news with you all; the couple whom were inseparable in life have passed away within 24 hours of each other, after 54 years of marriage. Thank you to the Hamilton Spectator for allowing me to share this testament of the true power of love. Remember Ramzan and Laila Manek’s tale in your life today. Read the story here.

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Porridge for Parkinson’s

Food, fun and all for Parkisnon’s. Most people with PD, are least active in the mornings. With this in mind, a low-key breakfast event was started a few years ago to fund-raise for Parkinson’s research. Through the groups efforts, over 1 million dollars has been collected for that all important search for a cure. I got to taste the fruits of their labour this year…literally. Some big Toronto chefs cooked-up a ton of porridge and I was happy to be attending, as the Parkinson Society Central and Northern Ontario Spokesperson! Hope this doesn’t make you too hungry! Video from Porridge for Parkinson’s 2013.

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