Attention Kamloops shutterbugs! z | Page 3
your neighbourhood. your newspaper.
north shore SHOP, STAY & PLAY
Cottonwood Manor Complex
on the North Shore
z | Page 5 Volume 14 Number 35 | 50¢
September 2, 2015
OPEN FOR BUSINESS 250.376.2411
Super support for Superwalk Steven Puhallo is the executive director of the Kamloops North Shore Business Improvement Association (NSBIA) and has worked extensively in public affairs and communications with a broad range of experience at senior levels of government and has utilized these skills honed in government to create successful working relationships with Kamloops businesses, community leaders, government officials and First Nations. He is a familiar face and hometown success story whose family roots go back generations in the Thompson Valley. He returned to Kamloops in 2011 with his wife Jennifer and young daughters, Josephine and Sofija because in his mind, there was no better place to raise a family than Kamloops. In December 2013, Steven was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease. After struggling with mysterious ailments and fatigue for too long, it was a relief to finally have a diagnosis and place to begin learning how to manage his symptoms. His fifteen years in government and corporate experience had made him a public figure and the NSBIA is thriving under his direction so it was an easy decision for him to share his story publically to educate and raise awareness. It is estimated that more than 100,000 Canadians have Parkinson’s disease, although this number may be higher as there is no national study yet. It affects
both men and women across all ethnicities, with the majority of those diagnosed over the age of 65. Parkinson’s disease is not a normal part of aging, however the incidence increases with age and due to the aging baby boom population, this number is expected to rise dramatically. Only 20 per cent of those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease are under the age of 40, which is commonly known as early onset and was the same diagnosis Steven received. It is a chronic degenerative brain disorder that causes cells in the brain that normally produce a chemical called dopamine to die off, causing such symptoms as tremors, muscle stiffness, problems with balance, fatigue, difficulties with speech and writing, depression and changes in thinking ability. Currently there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. Steven is coping well and leads an active lifestyle keeping up with his growing family. He still writes and believes that early diagnosis is a blessing of sorts, as he is more adaptable to the changes that may come as the disease progresses. “Life can go on,” affirms Steven, “I don’t plan on taking a back seat to life now or anytime soon.” Steven will be taking part in the 25th Anniversary Parkinson’s Superwalk on Saturday, September 12, starting at 10:00 am at the Riverside Park Rotary Bandshell. This event is the largest national fundraiser for the Parkinson’s Society Canada (PSC) with approximately 14,000 participants annually. The funds raised go toward research, education, support, awareness to reduce stigma and promote early detection. The PSC is committed to drive policy at both the federal and provincial levels so that Parkinson’s disease is recognized as a health priority and improve the lives of those impacted most. - continued on page 3
Steven Puhallo will be participating in this year’s Parkinson Superwalk to help raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease.
LO-BOY MARKET
EVERY DAY STUFF... BUT CHEAPER!
Summer Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9-4 Saturday 10-4
TILE SALE
liquidation on now!
459 TRANQUILLE RD • JOIN OUR EXCLUSIVE “LOBOY MARKET” GROUP ON FACEBOOK
• Ceramic Tile • Porcelain Tile • Wall & Floor Tile
1/2 the price and NO TAX!!