‘I’m glad I got Parkinson’s’: Prince George man finds family and friends in diagnosis

“I got diagnosed two years ago. And I’ve got to tell you, I’m glad I got Parkinson’s,” Alpay said. “Because if I had not got Parkinson’s, I wouldn’t have met all these amazing human beings who are now supporting me.”

Alpay and his wife have lived in Prince George for 19 years. He says they stayed because of the people. “We’re one big, happy family. Everybody looks out for each other,” he said.

A Parkinson’s diagnosis can make people feel isolated. Serena Sanghera, who helps organize the local SuperWalk, says shame and denial are common. She explains that many people do not want to admit they have the disease and gradually withdraw from their usual lives.

“A lot of people are ashamed of having Parkinson’s, so there’s lots of denial,” Sanghera said. “That’s why I always let people know: come to a support group. You’re not alone, and you can get the help you need.”

Alpay hopes his story helps someone take that first step. “You didn’t do anything wrong. There’s nothing to be ashamed of,” he said. “We have a support group. And in that support group, you can feel a lot of love. It reiterates the fact that we’re all in the same boat.”

According to Sanghera, Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease in Canada. It damages brain cells that make dopamine, a chemical important for movement. As these cells die, the body becomes less stable. Symptoms often begin with a small tremor and can eventually affect swallowing and other abilities.

The number of people affected is increasing. Sanghera says there are 17,500 people with Parkinson’s in Canada, and that number is expected to grow by 32 percent by 2030. In northern B.C., she estimates that 2,000 to 3,000 people have the disease.

The local support group encourages members to stay active. Sanghera says exercise is the most important way to manage symptoms, and the group also offers nutrition programs.

“Exercise is the biggest thing to keep your Parkinson’s manageable,” she said. “We always say, if you keep your body moving, you’ll keep your tremors shaken, not stirred.”

The group is also getting bigger. Alpay says they now need a larger meeting space, which he sees as a positive challenge. Thursday’s fundraiser helps cover the costs of meetings, exercise classes, and other programs.

Organizers hope the BBQ will help build excitement for the SuperWalk. The walk begins at 11:30 a.m. on September 12 at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, bringing the community together to support people with Parkinson’s and their families.

by Dave Branco

‘I’m glad I got Parkinson’s’: Prince George man finds family and friends in diagnosis

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