A new Parkinson Wellness Centre in the Royal City hopes to improve the quality of life for people living with the disease and their families.
Robyn Murrell, who founded the Parkinson Wellness Centre that recently opened in Sapperton, dreamt of creating a space where people living with Parkinson’s and their families could access multiple services in one space. The centre, located at 103-450 East Columbia St., is the first of its kind in the Lower Mainland.
“Having a variety of options available in one location that can support the various needs of people fighting back against the disease will make it easier for them all around,” she said.
The centre will offer a variety of programs, including exercise options, health and wellness workshops, social and cultural activities and voice therapy.
While it’s been Murrell’s dream to create a centre that provided a variety of services for folks with Parkinson’s, it became a reality sooner than expected after she had to leave the local studio she was renting to run Rock Steady Boxing New West – a non-contact boxing class designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s. Murrell, who formerly ran ZHOOSH Fitness Garage, eventually found the Sapperton space that’s now home to Rock Steady Boxing and all of the other programs offered by the Parkinson Wellness Centre.
“The centre provides a place where people with Parkinson’s understand, encourage and support each other,” she said. “A sense of family and camaraderie develops, making everyone feel welcome.”
Murrell is grateful to everyone who has supported her dream by providing time, labour, supplies, equipment and encouragement, as well as those who have supported an ongoing Go Fund Me fundraiser at www.gofundme.com/knock-out-parkinsons.
With April being Parkinson’s Awareness Month, the new centre offered some free activities this month including: a six-week series called Chronic Condition Self-Management, a program specifically for people with Parkinson’s and their family, friends and caregivers; trial classes for Dance for PD, a program that fosters confidence and grace in movement for people with Parkinson’s; and SongShine for Parkinson’s, a music and creative imagination-based immersive, holistic program that strengthens voices for Parkinson’s.
The Parkinson’s Wellness Centre is also offering an information session about Step by Step New West, a 12-week walking program for people with Parkinson’s, on Friday, April 13 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In conjunction with that session, the centre is having an urban poling demonstration.
According to the Parkinson’s Wellness Centre, about 13,000 British Columbians and more than 100,000 Canadians live with Parkinson’s disease, which is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s. The tulip is the worldwide symbol of hope for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
The City of New Westminster has proclaimed April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month.
For more information or to register for any of the programs, contact clarksonheidi@gmail.com or 604-525-2631
