Shakespeare families walk for Parkinson’s research

Shakespeare’s Ron Harrison, front centre, walks every year with his family in support of Parkinson’s research. With him are, from left, Amanda Harrison, Ron Harrison and Britt Harrison. In back is Ron’s brother, Rod Harrison. Ron says his partner, Barb, and his children are his biggest supporters. Contributed photo

By Gary West

Two Shakespeare couples and their families have been doing their part for years to raise money for Parkinson’s research.

Each summer, Stratford’s Upper Queen’s Park hosts the annual Walk for Parkinson’s, drawing teams from across Perth County and beyond. Thousands of dollars are collected every year through the hard work of walkers and the generosity of local sponsors.

This year, Team Kathy Schafer and Team Ron Harrison once again took part, raising thousands of dollars from relatives, friends and neighbours. Both families said they are motivated by the need to support the many people across the province who live with Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s disease is a complex brain condition, and every journey with the disease is different. More than 110,000 Canadians are living with Parkinson’s, a progressive movement disorder of the nervous system. Events like Stratford’s annual walk give families hope that the money raised will one day contribute to a cure or improved treatments.