A Parkinson’s-exercise program has made its way from Manitoba to Regina thanks to a couple who has been advocating for community-based support. In 2017, Terry Leigh was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease – a complex brain condition that impacts a person’s speech performance and physical mobility. Leigh said living with the disease comes with everyday challenges. “It’s a progressive thing. It gets a little bit worse every day, week, month, year,” Leigh said. “And it’s difficult.” Leigh has undergone deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery to help reduce the symptoms. However, he still experiences tremors in his hands and daily pain. The challenges that come with the disease have not only impacted Leigh, but people close to him as well. Since his diagnosis, his wife Jo Anne has acted as the primary caregiver. “With any illness of your partner, you just sort of have to adapt to it,” Jo Anne said. After attending a Canada-wide Parkinson’s event in Manitoba in June 2024, she crossed paths with a Winnipeg-based organization who offered support for people living with the disease. “That’s where I met the folks from U-Turn Parkinson’s, I learned about their program and decided we had to have this in Regina,” Jo Anne explained. “I’ve been working towards it, navigating ever since, and it’s here.” First free Parkinson’s program The free program will be offered on a weekly basis at the Regina Sports Performance Centre. Organized by U-Turn Parkinson’s, the classes will provide specific Parkinson’s exercises and a space for community support. “This is our first foray outside of Manitoba,” explained founder Tim Hague, referring to the organization’s three other locations in Manitoba. “There are 3,000 plus people in Saskatchewan living with Parkinson’s disease. We know that the number one thing that we can be doing for ourselves, those of us who live with Parkinson’s, is exercise. Exercise has been proven to slow the progression of the disease.” Hague added that both Prairie provinces have the highest per capita cases across the country due to farming. With exercise being an essential treatment for the life-long condition, Hague said providing community-based programs makes all the difference in peoples lives. “They develop community,” he said. “It becomes a very hopeful place for them otherwise, Parkinson’s is often overlooked and ignored. You don’t see much for us, but this is a true difference maker in people’s lives.” Program manager Jordana Donnelly said there is a class for everyone to participate in – as there are different levels of intensity being offered. “We’ve built such a wonderful community in Winnipeg and we’re looking to do the same in Regina,” she explained. “Whether you’re newly diagnosed or been living with Parkinson’s for a long time, there’s a place for you here, whether you’re young and just newly retired or still at work, this is your community too. There’s really something for everyone.” The classes are free to attend through bursaries, grants, and fundraising efforts by Regina Parkinson’s Support Group, Jo Anne explained. “Since I met them, I started an event called the Parkinson Shaker. It’s a cabaret with a live band and cheap drinks, and we have lots of great prize donations and 50/50 at the event,” she said. Now people like her husband are able to receive support in their home communities. “It’s emotional, but it’s a good thing,” Leigh said tearfully. People can apply for an assessment through U-Turn Parkinson’s website to determine what their functional level is before being placed in a class.
