Turning things around

Living with a chronic condition often comes with all kinds of challenges. Feeling isolated and disconnected from others is one of them. Fortunately for people living with Parkinson’s disease, there’s an organization dedicated to making life better for them and their families.

Seven-thousand people in Manitoba live with Parkinson’s. Caused by both genetic and environmental factors, research shows that exercise can significantly help minimize symptoms and improve quality of life.

U-Turn Parkinson’s is a registered charity whose goal is to help people live well with Parkinson’s by providing the exercise therapy and wellness resources needed to experience better health outcomes. To achieve this goal, a number of programs are offered, including non-contact boxing, yoga, singing groups, speech therapy, cycling, support groups and various events for clients and their families, all of which create a strong sense of community and belonging. Programs are free of charge and enable clients to keep moving while being engaged in meaningful and accessible exercises.

For Liliane Kirouac Vilar, who has been attending U-Turn Parkinson’s programming for many years, the impact has been transformative.

“U-Turn Parkinson’s provides me the opportunity to stay active, build strength, and face the challenges of living with Parkinson’s disease alongside people who understand my journey,” she said.

“It has become much more than a wellness program — it is a close-knit community that gives me hope, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.”

Executive director Dauda Sulaiman Dauda, came to U-Turn 18 months ago with an extensive background in public health. The medical and international development professional with extensive multi-country experience is a medical doctor by training.

Grateful to be working in the public health sector, and familiar with long-term chronic conditions that don’t have any cure, he hopes to help expand the organization to serve more people.

“I really appreciate being part of something that helps people live better, more productive lives,” Dauda said of the organization, which is staffed by six people and supported by approximately 50 volunteers.

“We have a very tightly knit community, which continues to grow not just in Winnipeg. Programming is expanding. We were operating out of a church when I joined. In the summer of last year, we moved into a community centre. We have a specialized facility where we offer classes,” he said, of the space located in the Southdale neighbourhood.

And U-Turn Parkinson’s continues to experience significant organizational growth, program expansion, and increased community impact.

“In January of this year, we expanded to Winkler due to demand. Just last month, we began programming in Regina as well. There is lots of demand for services that we offer. There is no one else that provides this kind of support,” Dauda said.

The organization will mark a milestone this year by celebrating their 10-year anniversary at a gala dinner presented by the John & Bonnie Buhler Foundation and Canadian Tire. The event will help support free Parkinson’s-specific wellness programs and education for clients, families and communities. The anniversary celebration will take place Thursday, Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

“It’s very important to recognize all the successes that the organization has had,” said Dauda in anticipation of the gathering.

“Next year we have plans to expand to even more locations across Saskatchewan and maybe in other provinces. The gala is an event to continue raising funds and awareness,” he added.

“For people living with Parkinsons, exercise has continuously been the most effective non-pharmaceutical way to slow the symptoms and improve quality of life,” Dauda said, adding that he really wants people to be aware of that.

Dauda also emphasized that living with Parkinson’s affects not only the person who has the condition but the family and community linked to that person. U-Turn Parkinson’s offers a variety of supports to caregivers, including information programs, educational programs, and classes to attend alongside partners and loved ones.

Audrey Blatz has been attending U-Turn’s care partner support program for almost two years. She appreciates the program opportunities and how much they’ve helped her and her husband, who lives with Parkinson’s.

Blatz joined the organization in July of this year and now works as the organization’s fund development manager.

“U-Turn has given us our lives back,” she said. “I’m so grateful for the support, community, and hope they’ve brought back to my family,” she said, adding that the organization has a unique beginning.

“U-Turn Parkinson’s was founded by Tim Hague, Sr. and his son, Tim Hague, Jr., after they won the first season of The Amazing Race Canada,” she explained.

“Tim Sr. used the winnings to establish the foundation, turning an incredible experience into a lasting legacy of hope and support for the Parkinson’s community, a journey from winning a national reality television competition to building an organization that continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many people.”

The Canadian charity, committed to helping individuals live their best life in spite of Parkinson’s, relies on donations and the support of individuals, foundations and corporations to sustain and grow their mission.

U-Turn Parkinson’s encourages people to join the Circle of Champions, a program for monthly donors which provides exclusive perks and opportunities, including invitations to special events, an annual breakfast, early access to latest news updates and more. U-Turn Parkinson’s also welcomes volunteers. Visit: https://uturnparkinsons.org

fpcity@winnipegfreepress.com