Bike parade raises funds and awareness for people with Parkinson's disease
A bike parade in Assiniboine Park brought Winnipeggers together to celebrate the Parkinson's community—raising funds and awareness for people with the disease.
Cyclists gathered on Friday for the second annual Team 81 Ride for Parkinson's, pedalling approximately 50 kilometres to help Manitobans living with Parkinson's disease.
All funds raised will be supporting U-Turn Parkinson's, a Manitoba charity assisting people with Parkinson's through free wellness programs, a range of physical activity programming and community support.
'It's fantastic to see our community get behind us,' said Tim Hague, founder and board chair of U-Turn Parkinson's.
'I'm excited about bringing a disease that's often hidden, often in the shadows, out into the light so that we can make a difference in people's lives.'
Hague explained that he was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2011, a neurodegenerative disease that leads to loss of bodily control. While there is currently no cure, physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms and slow the disease's progression.
Hague said he eventually realized there weren't any exercise or wellness-focused programs available in Winnipeg for people with Parkinson's.
'I was a nurse at the time, so I did what most any nurse would do—take it upon myself to do something about it,' he said.
Hague went on to found U-Turn Parkinson's in 2016, which he said now has 20 classes a week with hundreds of participants.
'It's just phenomenal. It shows the need that exists,' said Hague.
He said the event's name was chosen after #81 with the Winnipeg Jets, Kyle Connor, who serves as U-Turn Parkinson's ambassador. Connor's father and grandfather both passed away from the neurological disorder.
'No matter what stage you're at in your Parkinson's journey, whether you're newly diagnosed or you've been living with the disease for several years, there's a place for you here,' said Jordana Hague, Tim's daughter and program manager at U-Turn Parkinson's.
'We offer lots of different classes, different modification options—seated, standing, anything—so that everyone who is living with Parkinson's can find something.'
-With files from CTV's Glenn Pismenny
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