Helping others, helping himself

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Doug Martens initially grieved his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, but has since found new inspiration in helping others.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

It may sound cliché, but that's what Doug Martens is committed to doing. The 57-year-old was in the prime of life with a successful work and family life when he was struck down by Parkinson's disease at just 50 years old.

But he decided that he would not let the neurodegenerative disease -- which can cause tremors, slowness, stiffness and impaired balance -- keep him down. He said he grieved his diagnosis but then changed his attitude, ready to pick up and move on. Part of that attitude change came after attending programming put on by the Parkinson Society Manitoba.

Martens said a class for people newly diagnosed with Parkinson's was beneficial, teaching him what to expect and about lifestyle changes and adaptations he could make. It also helped him to meet others who were living with the disease. It was a one-on-one conversation with a man named Wayne that Martens credits for helping him to change his perspective.

"The first support group meeting that I went to, he took me off to the side we chatted a bit and he said 'Whatever you do don't give up -- once you give up you're finished,'" said Martens, a retired pharmacist.

Since that time, Martens has become an active volunteer with the Parkinson Society. Serving as a spokesperson and telling his story in the agency's direct mailing campaign this year, the father of two boys also assists with support group meetings.

"I think the biggest thing is that it's an opportunity to be a contributor instead of just a consumer," said Martens, a North Kildonan resident.. "I'm optimistic that when I interact with people that are newly diagnosed or even if they've walked this journey for a while, I can help them."

And he's committed to finding new ways to do so. Last year, he spearheaded a new initiative with the organization, recording educational sessions. The Parkinson Society then makes the presentations available on DVD to rural Parkinson's sufferers as well as those who are not able to make it out to the sessions.

"It's the idea that whether you live in Baldur, population 350, or whether you live in Winnipeg you've still got access to all these materials," said Martens.

He said all these services would not be available without fundraising, which is why he also volunteers on the committee planning the Parkinson's SuperWalk. Taking place Sept. 11, the event's fundraising goal is $140,000.

If you would like more information about the Parkinson Society Manitoba or the SuperWalk or you would like to become a volunteer, please call 786-2637 or visit the organization online at www.parkinson.ca.

If you know a special volunteer who strives to make their community a better place to live, please contact Erin Madden at erinmadden@shaw.ca.

Volunteers needed

The following is a list of volunteer opportunities advertised in the Winnipeg area. For more information about these listings, please contact the person/organization directly. You may also call (204) 477-5180 ext. 221 to set up an appointment to see an interviewer at Volunteer Manitoba. Email: vmreferral@mts.net or visit our website: www.mbvolunteer.ca for other available volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer Manitoba is looking for a French speaking volunteer for our annual volunteer fair, Oct. 6 & 7, College Universitaire de Saint-Boniface. Must be available between 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Call Noreen, 477-5180 ext. 230 or myvop@mts.net.

Winnipeg 10 & 10 Running Race Volunteer Opportunities, an event supported by the Running Room and put on by the Downtown Biz. Sept. 12, 8 a.m. Register: www.winnipeg10and10.volunteerhub.com or Craig 958-4644.

Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society needs volunteers to make an impact in wilderness conservation here in Manitoba at Winnipeg's first ever Green Lifestyle and Organic Living Show, Sept. 11 & 12, Convention Centre.Call 949-0782 or cpawsmb@gmail.com.

University of Winnipeg WiiChiwakanak Learning Centre aims to bridge the digital divide by providing Indigenous and inner city students and community members with access to computers, programming, and other resources. They are looking for mentors/monitors. Call Dina 789-1454 or di.ducharme@uwinnipeg.ca.

Get Better Together! is a 6-week program that meets once a week to do a combination of learning health management skills, listening to one another, brainstorming, problem-solving and action planning to help participants better manage health problems. The program & training are free of charge. Call Dawn, 632-3922 or dziemanski@sogh.mb.ca.

Canadian Diabetes Association is looking for Residential Campaign Delivery Drivers to distribute Campaign materials throughout the city of Winnipeg, daily for the last week of Sept. Call Kasia, 925-3800, ext. 225 or email at kasia.james@diabetes.ca.

Good Neighbours Active Living Centre in East Kildonan requires café volunteers to prepare and serve light lunches, load dishwasher and clean up kitchen, handle cash, etc. They are looking for a commitment of once a week or once every second week between 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Call Anne-Marie, 669-1710 ext. 223 or gnsc1@mts.net.

Newly formed Canadian Transplant Society is currently looking for student ambassadors for colleges and universities to act as a liaison between your school and the charity promoting and educating students on the importance if signing one's organ donor card and having it registered. Call Jay, 1416-725-1552 or cantransplant@rogers.com.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 30, 2010 B2