An emotional Selen Alpay spoke publicly about his Parkinson's disease diagnosis for the first time, as the Parkinson SuperWalk was announced for 2025.

By Tommy Osborne

Parkinson SuperWalk

Tears shed at emotional launch of Parkinson SuperWalk

Aug 12, 2025 | 5:04 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – It was an emotional scene at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, as the annual Parkinson SuperWalk was launched on August 12. This launch was also the first time Selen Alpay, well-known philanthropist and owner of Canadian Tire Prince George, spoke publicly on his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.

“Standing in front of you is something I never imagined would feel so important. Because a year ago, I wouldn’t have thought this would be my story,” Alpay said, addressing a large group of supporters.

“There are many others in the north going through the same confusing, frustrating, and painful journey, feeling their bodies change, losing control and not knowing where to turn,” he continued.

The SuperWalk was launched today, meaning you can already donate and register, but the walk itself will take place on September 6 at 12:30 p.m. The walk is considered to be the most important fundraising event for all things involving Parkinson’s, so organizers hope to see strong support.

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“It’s the main source of fundraising for Parkinson’s Society BC and Parkinson’s Canada. They do not get government funding, and we rely on both of those organizations quite heavily for resource support, research, and providing information that we need related to Parkinson’s,” said SuperWalk Organizer Gina Beddome.

The Prince George SuperWalk will also carry a message regarding the need for a movement disorder clinic in Prince George, a key facility to help treat anyone diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

“Right now, every specialized movement disorder clinic in British Columbia is located in the lower mainland or south, including Victoria, Kelowna, and Vancouver. For those of us living in the north, that means patients and caregivers must travel down south just to see a neurologist with the right expertise. These aren’t quick checkups, they’re complex, assessments are required, multiple visits. For many, that travel is physically exhausting and simply not possible,” said Serena Sanghera, a SuperWalk Organizer.

Parkinson’s is not curable, but it is treatable, and catching it early can significantly improve the process. Alpay says he is grateful his diagnosis was caught early, but it underscores the need for a movement disorder clinic in the north.

“That’s the problem in our beautiful north, there’s nowhere to turn. While movement disorder clinics exist in other parts of British Columbia, here in the north, there’s a silence where there should be support. There’s a gap where there should be care, and that has to change because Parkinson’s doesn’t care about your postal code. It doesn’t care if you live in Prince George or in Vancouver. But right now, our health care system does,” Alpay said.

The Parkinson’s Society of BC estimates as of 2023-24, 17,500 people live with Parkinson’s in the province, and that is expected to double by 2040.

“It really is just the sheer numbers. We have it so hard right now getting enough professional care for those with the disease, and to consider that could double … it’s just, the future is scary,” Beddome said.

Even if you can’t donate, just showing up to the walk would be incredibly impactful for anyone who has experience with Parkinson’s.

“Your moral support is just as important to us as the financial support,” Beddome said.

“This is an amazing community that when the chips are down, everybody comes together to bring life to a cause. And I think that’s so important, and this is just the beginning of what we are hoping to do and to see in the future,” Alpay said.

The walk will begin on September 6 at 12:30, and registration begins at 11:30. It will begin at Lheidli T’enneh Park at the pavilion.

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