Kenny Bearg aims to raise $50,000 for upcoming SuperWalk

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When Forest Hill resident Kenny Bearg first heard he had Parkinson's disease he was scared.

Bearg was first diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2003, and the news came as a definite shock. He admits he knew little about the disease when the doctor gave him his diagnosis.

"I was ignorant and I guess pretty scared," he said. "The doctor said to me 'you have Parkinson's and there's no cure.'"

Rather than allowing the news to consume him, he decided to do all he could to fight the disease, both for himself and for others similarly afflicted. While the disease has affected his handwriting and the strength of his voice, he has not skipped a beat since he learned of his illness.

"I still work full-time and I exercise everyday," he said. "I'm at the gym every day at 6:30 and then at work at 7:30 or 8. It's kind of like having two jobs; my regular job and fighting Parkinson's."

As part of his efforts in fighting the disease, Bearg will walk in the upcoming Toronto SuperWalk, in which hundreds of men and women raise pledges for Parkinson Society Canada (PSC).

This year marks the sixth time Bearg will participate in the walk, and in that time he has raised roughly $200,000 for the cause. He hopes to raise $50,000 in pledges this year alone, a significant boost over the remarkable $30,000 to $40,000 he has raised in past years.

"People have been very gracious every year," he said. "I send out about 400 letters each year to people I know, friends of my kids, everyone."

Bearg's friends and family have all contributed to his cause, and his wife, two daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren have joined him on the SuperWalk.

"It's very gratifying that I've got their support," he said. "I find it incredible every year that people who know me and know of me are so supportive."

Bearg will join hundreds of other walkers at Earl Bales Park on Sunday, Sept. 14 for the walk, with SuperWalks also slated for over 80 other locations across Canada. He hopes that others will take up the challenge and join in one of the many walks.

"It's the best way to raise money to find a cure," he said.

To register for a walk or to sponsor Bearg or another walker, visit www.superwalk.com

ABOUT PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Parkinson's is a progressive neurological disease in which cells in the brain that produce dopamine stop functioning. The loss of dopamine often leads to muscle stiffness and rigidity, tremors, slowed physical movement and, in severe cases, a loss of physical movement. The disease can also result in speech and swallowing difficulties.