Running for a good reason

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=255632&sc=98

Running for a good reason

EDITORIAL STAFF
The Guardian

The second annual Luke McIver Relay for Parkinson’s will take place on Saturday, Aug. 8, and this year it will consist of many runners.

In August 2008, the young man from Kinkora ran 250 kilometres in four days.

He harnessed his energy, enthusiasm and love of running for the cause of Parkinson’s, as all of the money raised was donated to this cause. He accomplished his run in honour of his grandmother, who is living with Parkinson’s, and his grandfather, who died with the disease.

Maureen Larkin, president of the Charlottetown support group, says they plan to repeat the ‘Tip to Tip Run’ in a different format this year.

“We want to get more people involved and use the event not only to raise funds, but also awareness of the situation of Parkinson’s in P.E.I.,” she said.

Participants will enter the Relay for Parkinson’s as a team, which will consist of a minimum of six people. The route, from Souris to Tignish, will be divided into 20-km legs.

Teams will run and/or walk one leg of the relay. Each member of the team may run or walk the entire 20 kms, or they may divide it up. Either way, every bit of the route from Souris to Tignish will be ran or walked by a participant.

The planning committee will identify 10 or 12 starting points and all the teams will start at the same time.
Larkin said they plan to have a minimum of 20 teams.

McIver himself plans to enter a team, but he will also join some of the other teams during the day. All the runners/walkers will be invited to celebrate the event with a barbecue in Charlottetown at the end of the day.

Participants are asked to set a goal of $750 per team. This means each member of the team will raise a minimum of $125. There is no registration fee and each participant will receive a free T-shirt. There will also be prizes for various goals reached, such as the best time, the most money raised, etc.

Approximately 8,400 people across the Maritimes have Parkinson’s.

Of all the neurological diseases, Parkinson’s disease has the highest incidence.

More people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease than ALS, MS, MD, AIDS, leukemia, and ovarian cancer combined.

To participate in the relay people must register their team at the Parkinson’s office located at the Volunteer Resource Centre, 81 Prince St., 8:30-4p.m. Pledge sheets can be picked up there or from any member of the planning team.

An exceptional accomplishment

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

An exceptional accomplishment
The Journal Pioneer

Editor,
From Aug. 14 to 18 Luke McIver, a young man from Kinkora, ran across P.E.I. in support of Parkinson’s.
I first met Luke in early July when he decided to undertake the 245-kilometre run. His determination and spirit were infectious. Just having graduated high school and entering UPEI this fall, Luke could have spent the summer many other ways. Instead, he opted to make a difference as his grandfather had Parkinson’s and his grandmother now lives with Parkinson’s.
Luke’s journey was close to the equivalent of six full marathons in only four days. Luke’s parents, grandparents, friends and teammates all supported his efforts.
It was inspiring to see so many young people from Luke’s high school and soccer teams joining him along the way. Parkinson’s is now being diagnosed in people from their late 20s through early 50s, as Young Onset Parkinson’s is being better understood.
In the Maritimes more than 8,400 people live with the condition for which we still have no known cause or cure. Luke’s efforts to help create awareness and raise funds are an excellent example of how families can support one another while helping our society.
For the run a van was donated, hotel rooms, meals, Vogue Optical our SuperWalk for Parkinson’s sponsor hosted barbecues in both Summerside and Charlottetown, running shoes were provided along with water and refreshments. Businesses, community organizations and individuals made donations tallying more than $7,000 along the way.
Luke McIver’s individual commitment to Parkinson’s brought people from across Prince Edward Island together collectively for the Parkinson’s cause. Today we are hearing lots about Olympic achievements, records being broken and medals being awarded. Running 100 metres or one marathon is an accomplishment, but what this young Islander accomplished is truly exceptional.
To Luke, his parents, family and friends, and to the many Islanders who supported the run, the Parkinson Society Maritime Region thanks you for your generosity and spirit!
Paul D. McNair,
Executive Director,
Parkinson Society Maritime Region

McIver completes Parkinson's run in Tignish Sunday

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McIver completes Parkinson's run in Tignish Sunday

Luke McIver, with his parents Debbie and Paul, enjoyed a break in Summerside Saturday afternoon, before
hitting the road to finish his Parkinson's fundraising run in Tignish Sunday. Jim Brown/Journal Pioneer

SUMMERSIDE
JIM BROWN
The Journal Pioneer

Luke McIver's grandmother greeted him with a cheque and a hug at a brief stopover Saturday in Summerside during a tip-to-tip run to raise awareness about Parkinson's disease.

The run, which started at East Point Thursday, ended in Tignish late Sunday afternoon.

Luke was delighted to receive a $500 cheque for the Parkinson Society from his grandmother, Martha Perry, but seemed happier with the hug. "I'm very proud of him," said Perry, 71.

His grandma is the reason Luke decided to lace up his sneakers for what he described as a grueling but exciting journey. She has Parkinson's, as did Luke's grandfather, Marshall Thomas, who passed away in 1991.

The Kinkora Regional High School graduate was mobbed by family, friends and well-wishers when he turned into the Vogue Optical parking lot in Summerside, accompanied by running mates, shortly after 12 noon.

"The support's been excellent.

"Thanks to everyone who sponsored, pledged or even ran with me. It's been great," said McIver.

His parents Debbie and Paul accompanied him by car. Two brothers, Chad and Adam, have also been among his biggest boosters. Adam lives in Calgary, Alta., but has been calling Luke's parents several times a day on their cell to keep track of his progress.

Parkinson's disease awareness aim of tip-to-tip run

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=160839&sc=118

Parkinson's disease awareness aim of tip-to-tip run

KINKORA
STACEY MURRAY
Transcontinental Media

Luke McIver will be running Prince Edward Island from tip to tip to raise awareness for a disease that has hit close to home.
McIver is set to make his way across the province between Thursday and Sunday for his grandparents, who have both dealt with Parkinson’s disease.
His grandfather, Marshall Thomas, passed away in 1991, while his grandmother is now trying to manage the disease after being diagnosed 12 years ago.
McIver, an active runner, wanted to find a way to help raise awareness for the disease, so he decided to put his feet to work.
“I’ve been running a lot. . . I might as well do it for a reason.”
When he told his parents about the idea, they were quick to lend their support. His grandmother is also touched by the idea, he said.
“She’s pretty proud. She’s one of my biggest supporters.”
McIver said if his grandfather were here, he’d also appreciate the effort.
“I think it would be very important for him.”
McIver will start his run in East Point on Thursday and will finish the fourth leg of his run in Tignish on Sunday.
He said sponsors have been supportive of the run and the cause it supports.
“It’s important to know everyone is behind us.”
McIver hasn’t set a goal for the run, although he does have an idea of how much he’d like to raise.
“I want to make as much as possible.”
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system.
It often affects a person’s motor skills and speech. There is no cure.

Awareness of Parkinson's disease aim of tip-to-tip run

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=157541&sc=98

Awareness of Parkinson's disease aim of tip-to-tip run

Luke McIver will be running from tip to tip this August to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease. Submitted photo

STACEY MURRAY
The Guardian

KINKORA — Luke McIver will be running Prince Edward Island from tip to tip to raise awareness for a disease that has hit close to home.
McIver is set to make his way across the province between Aug. 14-19 for his grandparents, who have both dealt with Parkinson’s disease over the years.
His grandfather passed away recently, while his grandmother is trying to manage the disease.
McIver, an active runner, wanted to find a way to help raise awareness for the disease, so he decided to put his feet to work.
“I’ve been running a lot . . . I might as well do it for a reason.”
When he told his parents about the idea, they were quick to lend their support. His grandmother is also touched by the idea, he said.
“She’s pretty proud. She’s one of my biggest supporters.”
McIver said if his grandfather were here, he’d also appreciate the effort.
“I think it would be very important for him.”
McIver will start his run in North Cape, travelling to Richmond on his first day. From there, he’ll go to Hunter River on the second day, and to Mount Stewart on the third day.
The fourth leg of his run will end at East Point.
He said sponsors have been supportive of the run and the cause it supports.
“It’s important to know everyone is behind us.”
McIver hasn’t set a goal for the run, although he does have an idea of how much he’d like to raise.
“I want to make as much as possible.”
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system. It often affects a person’s motor skills and speech. There is no cure.