Today, a significant event unfolded in Halifax as The Spinning Wheels Tour launched at 10 a.m. The event features a community ride that traverses the downtown area and crosses the bridge, marking the beginning of an ambitious effort involving three teams who will cycle an impressive 6,000 kilometres over the course of two months across Canada. Their mission is to raise awareness and gather funds for Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition that disrupts the control of movement, resulting in a variety of symptoms such as tremors, slow movement, rigid limbs, balance issues, and slurred speech. In Canada, the prevalence of Parkinson's is notable; in 2016, it was estimated that over 100,000 individuals were living with the disease, and projections indicate that this number is expected to rise significantly.

Research conducted by Parkinson's Canada projects a staggering 65 percent increase in the number of diagnosed Canadians by 2031, with the daily diagnosis rate predicted to climb from 28 cases per day in 2016 to 51 cases per day by 2031. Despite the progressive nature of Parkinson's, early-stage patients can adopt various management strategies, including exercise, to help mitigate the symptoms.

The inspirational roots of The Spinning Wheels Tour can be traced back to 2022 when Steve Iseman and Mike Loghrin, both diagnosed with Parkinson's, embarked on a cross-country cycling journey. Their goal was to amplify the conversation surrounding Parkinson's disease. Alongside a committed support team, they traveled coast to coast in a Winnebago, often resting in Walmart parking lots, all while making a meaningful impact on awareness and community engagement.

Susan Fullerton, a member of The Spinning Wheels organizing team, accompanied Iseman and Loghrin on their journey and witnessed firsthand the influence they had on others. She recounted an encounter with a woman who saw a sign on the Winnebago and approached them, saying, “I was just diagnosed and I’m really struggling.” This was not an isolated incident, as similar interactions became common throughout their ride.

In 2023, after a brief hiatus, Iseman and Loghrin are returning in 2024 with a collaborative team effort to continue their relay ride across the country, reaffirming their commitment to the cause. Beyond cycling, The Spinning Wheels Tour seeks to raise funds for those affected by Parkinson's. So far, the team has successfully collected $120,000 towards their ambitious goal of $200,000.

Fullerton shared that upon turning 60 this year, she requested her friends and family to forgo gifts and contribute to The Spinning Wheels Tour instead, raising $7,100 through her efforts alone. Each day of the relay includes at least one cyclist living with Parkinson's, showcasing the potential and resilience of individuals living with the condition.

For Fullerton, it is the representation and connections forged during the event that drive The Spinning Wheels Tour’s mission. She emphasized, “If we touch one person’s Parkinson’s story to help them improve their life, then it is going to be a success.” The tour not only highlights the challenges faced by those with Parkinson's but also serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement for the community.