Pedal power for Parkinson’s awareness

Tim Hague vividly remembers the day his doctor delivered the life-changing news: he had Parkinson’s disease.

“He said, ‘You can plan on 10 to 15 good years,” the 60-year-old Winnipegger recalled in an interview with the Free Press on Wednesday. “Well, I’m 14 years and five months into this thing, and I don’t feel like I’m at the end of my good years yet. And I attribute that to exercise.”

Hague, a retired nurse, has built an impressive physical regimen — one that once helped him and his son, Tim Jr., win the inaugural season of The Amazing Race Canada in 2013. Staying fit has also become the cornerstone of his fundraising efforts for U-Turn Parkinson’s, the Winnipeg-based wellness centre he founded to help others living with the disease.

“… I don’t feel like I’m at the end of my good years yet. And I attribute that to exercise.”–Tim Hague

“It is the fastest growing neurological disease in the world,” said Hague. “There’s over 11 million people now with it worldwide — including more than 7,000 in Manitoba — and that’s expected to double by 2040.”

Hague really put his plans in motion last summer with the first-ever Team 81 Ride for Parkinson’s, which teamed up with Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor. Unfortunately, the two men share a common bond — Connor’s late grandfather and father both had the disease.

“You sometimes think people who are of a certain stature — and he’s a big stature — don’t have time for this sort of thing. But he’s been 100 per cent present,” said Hague.

“He is engaged with Parkinson’s, and it’s very clear. Because this is close to his heart, and he wants to make a lasting impression.”

The inaugural ride featured 24 cyclists, 13 of whom completed a gruelling five-day, 550-kilometre trek from Russell to Falcon Lake. Ten of those riders are living with Parkinson’s.

“To see their determination, their smiles of accomplishment at the end of every day, to know their needs firsthand — we were stopping so they could take their medication and rest to ensure they were physically capable — it was incredible to witness and be a part of,” said Kevin Donnelly, senior vice-president of True North Sports & Entertainment.

Donnelly has a personal connection to the cause. He’s known Hague for years, and the two are about to become family — Hague’s daughter, Jordana, is marrying Donnelly’s son, Chris, in September. He also played a key role in getting Connor involved after the death of Connor’s father, Joe, in 2021,

“Kyle came to Mark (Chipman, co-owner of the Jets) and said, ‘I’m ready to reach out, how do I get connected, what’s the right organization?’” said Donnelly. “And this really began to accelerate fast.”

Last year’s debut event raised more than $141,000 for U-Turn Parkinson’s, which uses exercise and wellness programs to support those living with the disease.

“It was absolutely fantastic,” Hague said.

And, admittedly, a bit too ambitious.

In response, organizers have scaled things back this year, with the goal of making an even bigger impact.

Next Friday, Aug. 1 — or 8/1, matching Connor’s jersey number — has been officially designated Ride for Parkinson’s Day in Manitoba. The second annual Team 81 Ride for Parkinson’s will feature a single-day, 50-kilometre route beginning and ending at Assiniboine Park.

“A more manageable ride,” said Hague.

Participants will be welcomed at the finish line with a family-friendly celebration, including a bike parade, decorating station, DJ, face painting, mascots and more. Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries is sponsoring the bike parade, which aims to “turn heads and show powerful support for those living with Parkinson’s.” Canadian Tire is sponsoring the ride.

Hague emphasized that people of all ages and abilities are welcome — even those who don’t want to hop on a bike.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, often beginning gradually before worsening over time. It impairs co-ordination, balance and strength, and is the world’s leading cause of permanent disability.

Connor issued a statement encouraging the public to consider sponsoring a rider or making a donation of “$81, $810, $8,100 or any other amount you can donate.”

“Every dollar helps,” said Connor. “Currently, there is no cure, however exercise has been proven to slow the progression of the disease and an event like the Team 81 Ride For Parkinson’s can bring awareness to the benefits of exercise.”

All proceeds go towards U-Turn Parkinson’s, which had been operating out of a church basement but recently moved into Southdale Community Centre. Hague’s hope is to one day find a permanent facility of their own.

“We’re moving along,” he said. “We’re not even quite a month in, but it’s a brand new addition to the community centre and it’s absolutely beautiful. It’s way more space for us, a way more welcoming space and more suited to what we do.”

For more information about the organization and/or the event, visit uturnparkinsons.org, call 204-510-4869, or email info@uturnpd.org.

“There’s nobody else in Manitoba that’s doing Parkinson’s-focused therapy,” said Donnelly.

“When you think about other ailments like heart and stroke and cancer and all these things that are so deserving, there is such a huge infrastructure that exists that isn’t there for Parkinson’s-afflicted people. So there’s a real catch-up that has to happen with this diagnosis and with this community.”

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg