“What you see on the outside is only a small part of the disease itself, so what somebody is going through – there’s way more to it than what you can see.”
That is from Lana Tordoff, the executive director of the Parkinson Association of Alberta.
She spoke with My Lethbridge Now in the lead-up to the 14th annual Step ‘n Stride fundraising walk.
The event is being held in communities across the province Sept. 19 and 20, including:
- Lethbridge – Sept. 19
- Lloydminster – Sept. 19
- Olds – Sept. 19
- Red Deer – Sept. 19
- Grande Prairie – Sept. 20
“The biggest thing that we know about people with Parkinson’s is that sometimes, it’s really hard to get out and to be out in the community and to make friends and to connect with other people who are affected by Parkinson’s disease,” Tordoff said.
“So, more than anything it’s [Step ‘n Stride] a community event but of course It’s also a really important fundraiser for our organization.”
Tordoff explained that funds raised from the walk account for over 20 per cent of the association’s annual budget. “It makes sure that we are able to deliver on our promise of supporting people every day throughout their journeys.”
She said the association offers support right from when an individual is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
“Imagine, you’ve received this devastating diagnosis, and you’re given a prescription and a ‘see you later’ and [don’t know] what to expect,” Tordoff said.
She explained that the association helps with everything from education to connecting patients with local resources and supports to filling out government forms, “and other things that will help improve the quality of your day-to-day life.”
“[We are] someone to call when you don’t know what else to do who can help walk you through those challenges,” Tordoff remarked.
She added that they can also aid health care workers in areas like care homes, who may not have experience interacting with Parkinson’s patients, to educate them on how to best support those patients living with the disease.
MISCONCEPTIONS
Tordoff said the association is grateful for notable support advocates, like Canadian entertainer Michael J. Fox, who lives with the disease, as they can help reduce some of the misconceptions people may have about Parkinson’s. She noted that those living with Parkinson’s deal with much more than what is visible on the outside.
“I think recognizing that and not having to have people explain themselves when they’re not feeling well, when they’re not motivated to get out of the house, when they’re having challenges emotionally or with other things that you can’t see, I think that’s the most important thing,” Tordoff stated.
“They didn’t do anything wrong [and] this is not their fault. It can be frustrating, even for a family member, when somebody can’t correctly or properly hold a beverage, for example, in public [but] this is not their fault. This is not something that they have any control over and having our patience and our understanding is incredibly important.”
STEP ‘N STRIDE
The theme for this year’s fundraising and awareness walk is ‘WE ARE’, which promotes a sense of belonging and togetherness.
“Every day, we’re inspired and motivated by the people we get to meet,” Tordoff said, adding individuals living with Parkinson’s are “so resilient”.
“They’re grateful for what they do have.”
She added, “Those sorts of attitudes, the mental reset that sometimes happens [to] people when they receive a devastating diagnosis is incredibly inspiring and I think that’s something to be lauded and applauded.”
Tordoff said Step ‘n Stride participants are encouraged to register ahead of time, but day-of sign-up is allowed. Pre-registration can be done online through the association website.
The webpage also features a list of where walks are taking place.
LETHBRIDGE EVENT
In Lethbridge, Tordoff said the fundraising goal was set at $10,000, a figure that has been surpassed, according to the event webpage.
“[It is] really impressive and [a] really genuine commitment to the community for Parkinson’s in Lethbridge,” Tordoff remarked.
“In today’s economy, and there’s so many people who are struggling, we really want you to just come. Yes, of course, we need the fundraising dollars, but it is more important that people just come and be present and get connected.”
The Step ‘n Stride in Lethbridge is set for Sept. 19 at 9 a.m., with participants invited to check-in at the Kiwanis Shelter at Henderson Lake Park.
A three-kilometre walk will start at 10:15 a.m., then at 10:30 a.m., the one-kilometre walk will begin. The event will also feature food, entertainment, and door prizes.
A BIG IMPACT
Over the years, community efforts led to over $4.3 million being raised to support those living with and impacted by Parkinson’s.
In 2025, the Step ‘n Stride raised over $400,000, with the 2026 goal being to raise a total of $410,000 and to ensure as many people as possible come to the event.
The association noted that over 15,000 Albertans live with Parkinson’s disease and Atypical Parkinsonism, with tens of thousands more affected as caregivers and family members. There is currently no cure for the disease.
More information is available on the Parkinson Association of Alberta website.
