SuperWalk for Parkinson's in Miramichi

At Sunday's first annual SuperWalk for Parkinson's in Miramichi, every one of approximately 70 walkers gathered at the Douglastown Community Centre had someone they were walking for.

Marguerite Finnigan laughs as she is surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Her husband passed away from Parkinson's at the age of 72, and eight of her children, their significant others and grandchildren were walking in his memory that day.

Marguerite Finnigan, for one, was walking in memory of her husband, Jean, who passed away from the disease at the age of 72. Surrounding her were eight of her children, their significant others and several of her grandchildren.

"It's certainly a good cause," said one son, Pat Finnigan, from the Rogersville area. "We know all about Parkinson's, because my dad had the disease. It's a terrible disease. Anything that can be done to find a cure or how to better cope with it, our whole family is behind that for sure."

Only one of his siblings was unable to attend. It was not the first time the family had walked for Parkinson's; Finnigan said they had also made quite a large impression in Fredericton last year, and were pleased to be able to walk in their home region this year. He added they had raised around $1,100 altogether so far, with still one more fundraising barbecue planned.

His mother, Marguerite, was pleased so many had turned out for the Parkinson's walk.

"We all know about it," she said. "We all went through that when my husband was sick. It's very good to see them all here today."

Although the remnants of Hurricane Hanna showered the Miramichi on-and-off Sunday, the Finnigans and many other participants still braved the drizzle to march along the King George Highway, banner flying, before going back inside.

The Greater Miramichi chapter of the Parkinson Society Maritime Region was established just this year. Its president, Judy Morrison, stressed its goal was to serve the whole of the Miramichi region.

"Simply because there's so many outlying areas of the region where people have Parkinson's, and would like to attend our support groups," she explained.

Morrison said she was happy at the turnout, despite the poor weather, adding the event was expected to raise $5,000, which she said was "excellent for the first walk."

More than 8,000 Atlantic Canadians suffer from Parkinson's disease. Common symptoms include tremors, slowness or stiffness, impaired balance and muscle rigidity. Some sufferers may also show signs of fatigue, soft speech, writing problems, stooped posture, constipation and/or sleep disturbance.

There is currently no cure, but sufferers can live successfully with the disease for several years.

"We're trying to draw awareness to the Parkinson's disease," Morrison said of the walk. "However, exercise is the best thing for Parkinson's, along with your medication, of course."

Several dignitaries were on hand for the event, including MP Charles Hubbard, Miramichi MLAs Bill Fraser and John Foran, Miss New Brunswick and Mayor Gerry Cormier, among others.

"I think it's wonderful to raise awareness here for the Parkinson's cause," Cormier said. "I'm pleased with the turnout today, considering the weather."