PSCNO's Everyday Heroes

We think that this year’s theme - everyday heroes, extraordinary hope, truly embodies the spirit of all of our Parkinson Canada SuperWalkers in communities across Central & Northern Ontario.

Throughout the summer, leading up to our walk, we’ll share the stories of some everyday heroes in our community and their efforts as part of Parkinson Canada SuperWalk.

Do you know an everyday hero in your community? Connect with your local walk coordinator, or with Chris.Haddlesey@Parkinson.ca to help share their story.


Lorne Collis - Brampton

It all started ten years ago, when Brampton’s 65-year-old Lorne Collis noticed some stiffness in his left arm and residual tremors throughout his body. After a series of tests, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Even with treatment, Lorne had a hard time maintaining composure with his symptoms. He would often attempt to hide his tremors by putting his hands in his pockets but as time went by, his dyskinesia the random dance-like movements, caused by long-term use of Parkinson’s meds became more difficult to bear. To address his progressing symptoms, Lorne recently underwent deep brain stimulation (DBS).

However, regardless of these changes, he still remains confident in his ability to plan Parkinson Canada SuperWalk, as he has been doing for the past nine years.

Parkinson Canada SuperWalk is held annually by Parkinson Society Central & Northern Ontario with 33 walks across the region to raise funds for the Parkinson’s community. Proceeds raised help towards providing education, support services, research and advocacy.

Lorne was initially introduced to Parkinson Canada SuperWalk nine years ago when he participated in his first one in Georgetown. However, as a seasoned event manager, he wanted to do more. Soon after, he volunteered to be the coordinator for SuperWalk in Georgetown (now the Brampton SuperWalk). Since then, Lorne has raised almost $17,000.

“I’ve organized events for years and years but this is the only one I benefit from,” he says. Lorne is lucky to have plenty of support from his loved ones. In fact, his entire family participates in the event with him. Their SuperWalk team is called ‘Movers & Shaker’, in which Lorne jokes that he is the ‘shaker’.

“My son is a DJ and volunteers his services for the event. It’s great because it makes the atmosphere that much greater with music,” he says, ““Even my daughter, who can’t attend the Brampton SuperWalk this year, is doing Windsor’s SuperWalk and started a new team called ‘Movers & Shaker: Windsor Edition’.”

“To me, SuperWalk isn’t about the money. It’s only secondary to raising awareness about the disease,” says Lorne. “Parkinson’s is a progressive disease; it’s going to get worse before it gets better. People need to know that Parkinson’s is here and it’s here to stay, and we have to get the word out that this is happening.”

The secret to Lorne’s tenacity seems to be in his optimism, humility, and immeasurable experience.

“I want people to become aware of the disease, what it is, and where the money from SuperWalk goes to,” he adds. “I don’t want people to sponsor me; I want them to come out and participate in the walk because more participants mean we can make more of a change.”

Lawrence Massey - Northumberland

“I wasn’t ready to retire yet,” says 71-year-old Lawrence Massey of Cobourg, Ontario, “I miss farming even today.”

A product of five generations before him, Lawrence owned and operated his family farm for over 32 years. With a slew of crops and livestock, as the main labourer, Lawrence had his work cut out for him… and he loved it.

“I had a sentimental attachment to the soil,” he said, “…but it had to come to a crossroad sooner or later.”

Fifteen years ago, Lawrence noted a slight tremor in one of his fingers which would not go away.

After seeking some medical assistance with this, Lawrence was referred to a specialist in nearby Peterborough. When he arrived at his appointment, walked into the room and sat down, the doctor, after observing his entrance, already knew what was wrong.

It was then that Lawrence was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

“It was a major blow to my being,” Lawrence recalled.

Initially, the chronic neurodegenerative disease was slow to start and Lawrence was able to continue farming for the next six years.

However, as time went on, simple things started to become difficult, like picking up grain or driving his truck. His hands would not function properly and he felt quite uncoordinated with simple movements.

Although he had some help from his wife, he was the main labourer on the farm. Inevitably, there finally came a time when Lawrence was no longer able to maintain the farm like he had for so long.

Eventually, he sold his farm and moved to Cobourg as the small town offered much better amenities to accommodate his needs.

Although Lawrence no longer has the farm, he has been able to divert his time and energy into other positive outlets.

As a father of two, grandfather of five, and person with Parkinson’s, Lawrence wanted to share his legacy and experiences. So, over the past ten years, he has written an impressive four books that have been incredibly well-received in his community, with two about his farm, one about his family history, and his latest and most popular one about his experience with Parkinson’s.

“If Parkinson’s didn’t come along, I wouldn’t have written these books nor would I have the time to,” he says. “I discovered a part of my life where I could be of service to people through writing.”

Everyday Lawrence has demonstrated tremendous resilience. From the life of a busy farmer to now an inspirational author, Lawrence’s trajectory to a life with Parkinson’s has had a fundamental impact on his being and fueled his willingness to make a difference.

He has participated in Parkinson Canada SuperWalk for over six years. As a strong advocate for Parkinson’s research, advocacy and support, Lawrence acts as a shining beacon of inspiration for those who want to work towards helping the Parkinson’s community.

“There’s a stigma in our society about having a disease like Parkinson’s,” he says. “By raising awareness, I want to help alleviate that stigma.”

Lawrence urges everyone to find out where walks are in your area.

“We all need a cause to work for, don’t we?” he adds.


Noella Tremblay - Timmins

Parkinson’s disease has affected Noella Tremblay’s life in more ways than one. It has affected her as an individual diagnosed with the illness, her relationships and her perspectives.

Noella was 56 years old when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. A resident of Timmins, Ontario, she has been battling the effects of Parkinson’s since 2004.

Prior to her diagnosis, Noella was an active and busy housekeeper. However, now living with Parkinson’s has hindered her ability to continue working the way she once used to.

Naturally, the transition to a life with Parkinson’s was difficult for Noella and she struggled with being optimistic.

“The first year was the hardest,” she says. “I couldn’t cope. There wasn’t much I could do.”

Mobility became an increasingly taxing issue as she was no longer able to independently indulge in pursuits that used to be easy for her.

“I loved to take long walks in the evening but I can’t anymore. Now I can only go for short distances,” she adds.

Just a few months ago, her sister was diagnosed with the chronic neurodegenerative disease as well.

Despite Parkinson’s being a large part of her life, Noella’s resilience shines bright and her determination to make a difference is nothing short of inspiring. This year will be her first time participating in Parkinson Canada SuperWalk.

“I want to encourage people to help encourage us,” says Noella.

She wants to instill hope and help in any way she can to advocate, support, and bolster the efforts of those who continue to live with Parkinson’s disease today.

“I want to encourage people to be with us, walk, and have fun. There is always hope” she says.