In an effort to increase awareness and understanding of Parkinson’s disease, dignitaries and advocates will gather for a special flag raising ceremony in Owen Sound.
Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario (PSSO) will host the event outside City Hall on 2nd Avenue East at 11 a.m. on Thursday. The flag raising is part of Parkinson’s Awareness Month.
Opening remarks will be provided by PSSO's Stephen Owen ahead of the flag raising. Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy and Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers will also be speaking at the event. Young Onset advocate Tim Green will highlight challenges faced by those living with Parkinson’s disease.
The ceremony is just one of the awareness initiatives planned this month which aim to shed light on the realities of Parkinson’s beyond its physical symptoms.
"The More Than You Can See campaign, running throughout April, highlights the unseen aspects of Parkinson’s, such as mental health challenges, and shares powerful personal stories from the community," the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario said in a statement.
The personal stories can be viewed online at psso.ca/morethanyousee.
Living Well with Parkinson’s conferences will also be held in various locations throughout the region this month. They will feature expert speakers on mental health, treatment advancements, and strategies for living with the disease.
