Shakespeare families walk for Parkinson’s research
- Sep 25, 2025
- 1 min read
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.
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease four years ago. For over two years, I relied on Levodopa and several other medications, but unfortunately, the symptoms kept getting worse. The tremors became more noticeable, and my balance and mobility started to decline quickly. Last year, out of desperation and hope, I decided to try a herbal treatment program from NaturePath Herbal Clinic. Honestly, I was skeptical at first, but within a few months of starting the treatment, I began to notice real changes. My movements became smoother, the tremors subsided, and I felt steadier on my feet. Incredibly, I also regained much of my energy and confidence. It’s been a life-changing experience I feel more like myself again, better than I’ve…