By Dave Branco

Prince George raised the Parkinson’s flag at City Hall to start Awareness Month

Apr 2, 2026 | 1:13 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – On Thursday, members of the Prince George Parkinson’s community gathered at City Hall for a flag-raising ceremony to mark the start of Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

Mayor Simon Yu issued a proclamation officially recognizing April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month in the city. He described Parkinson’s as a progressive, degenerative neurological disorder and called for more understanding, compassion, and support for people living with it.

The ceremony brought together local residents, caregivers, supporters, and advocates to show solidarity. It highlighted the need for early diagnosis, better access to care, and ongoing community advocacy.

Gina Beddome, who chairs the Prince George Parkinson’s Support Group, says the disease affects more than just the person diagnosed.

“As a caregiver, I’ve seen firsthand that Parkinson’s is more than what people see on the surface. It affects every part of a person’s life, and it also deeply impacts the families supporting them,” said Beddome.

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Prince George raised the Parkinson's flag at City Hall to start Awareness Month

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She encourages anyone connected to Parkinson’s, whether living with the disease, supporting a loved one, or just curious, to attend a come-and-go social on April 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Elder Citizens Recreation Association.

Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative condition in the world and affects about 17,500 adults in British Columbia. There is no known cause or cure yet, but organizations like the Parkinson Society British Columbia offer services such as education, counselling, exercise programs, and healthcare support for patients and their care partners.

During April, the community is encouraged to share personal stories and experiences on social media with the hashtag #MoreThanATremor.

To learn more about Parkinson’s Awareness Month and available support, visit parkinson.bc.ca/awareness.