Skip to content

Parkinson’s paint program honours New West resident

What's happening Around Town
Impact Parkinsons
IMPACT Parkinson’s is hosting a virtual online Painting for Parkinson’s event, where participants will create a piece of art. A tote bag crafted by Sue Sayer has provided the inspiration for an Aug. 24 art class being led by local artist Ceci Lam.

IMPACT Parkinson’s Centre may have had to shutter its doors because of COVID-19 but its society is alive and well.

The IMPACT Parkinson’s Society is continuing to offer programs, workshops and events and to raise money and support Parkinson’s. Its current lineup of virtual programs includes Let’s Talk Loud group voice therapy, Rock Steady Boxing with Robyn and yoga.

A  Local Love Award from the United Way Lower Mainland is also allowing the society to host an upcoming virtual painting event.

“Thanks to one of our volunteers who nominated us for this award, we are excited to offer this free online event,” said Robyn Murrell, founder of IMPACT Parkinson’s Society, in a press release.

Painting for Parkinson’s will bring people together virtually to share a stimulating and enriching art experience. 

According to the society, active art addresses various physical and cognitive symptoms of Parkinson’s. In addition to helping participants to feel active and to be part of a community event, the society said the program will help educate others about Parkinson’s disease – which in turn helps create understanding and support between friends, neighbours and the community at large.

Murrell said it's hard enough fighting back against a degenerative neurological disease like Parkinson's – but it’s even harder during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This global health crisis has affected people living with Parkinson’s and their family, friends and community in many ways, such as not being able to attend their extremely important exercise classes nor participate in any other in-person programs, workshops and activities. It also means that the social support they receive from their peers, health-care team, etc. is gone or greatly reduced,” she said.  “The more opportunities we have to educate the community about Parkinson’s, the more understanding and support families living with the disease will receive.”

The virtual painting event on Zoom is on Monday, Aug. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m., with local artist Ceci Lam leading the event from 100 Braid Street Studios. 

The artwork for this event is based on a gift to Murrell from one of her Parkinson’s fighters, Sue Sayer, who passed away last December at the age of 56. Sayer, who had a rare and aggressive form of Parkinson’s called Multiple Systems Atrophy, lived in New West and was active in community groups like the Hyack Festival Association.

“One of her many passions was crafting of any kind. One of the last projects she created was a tote bag she sewed to carry her pink boxing gloves to the specialized boxing classes she attended with Murrell as her coach,” said a press release. “This artwork will be a special way to honor and remember Sayer’s amazing courage, laughter and smiles.”

To register for the free painting program, go to www.eventbrite.ca and search for Painting for Parkinson’s. Participants will receive a paint kit that contains all the supplies needed and information about  Parkinson's disease, as well as a Zoom link to view the event and follow along with the artist.

For more information about the society, go to www.impactparkinsons.com.