PD IQ + You

Reflections from Parkinson Canada’s PD IQ + You Conference

On June 6th, our team had the privilege of attending Parkinson Canada’s PD IQ + You conference, and it was a wonderful day from start to finish. As the Knowledge Translation Lead for C-OPN, I had the chance to spend the day connecting with members of the Parkinson’s community, sharing information about our network, and listening to some truly moving conversations.

A Busy and Welcoming Booth

Our booth was a hub of activity throughout the day. So many people stopped by to learn more about the Canadian Open Parkinson Network and our Calgary site, CaPRI (the Calgary Parkinson Research Initiative). It was encouraging to see how many people were interested in getting involved, and we were thrilled that a number of attendees signed up to take part in CaPRI on the spot. Conversations like these are exactly why events like this matter: they create real opportunities for people to connect with research happening in their own community.

Three Panels, Three Perspectives

The day was structured around three panel discussions, each offering a different lens on living with Parkinson’s.

The first panel focused on building your Parkinson’s care team, offering practical guidance on how to assemble the right mix of healthcare providers and supports.

The second panel brought together three neurologists to discuss the latest in Parkinson’s research, including our own Dr. Schlossmacher and Dr. Bruno, both familiar faces from the C-OPN network. A theme that came through clearly in this session was the importance of research participation. Both Michael and Veronica spoke about how vital it is for people to get involved in research, noting that participants are essential if neurologists and scientists are going to make meaningful progress. It was a great reminder of how directly community involvement translates into scientific advancement.

The third panel shifted the focus to lived experience, featuring members of the Parkinson’s community sharing their personal stories. This session highlighted the importance of community connection, and the simple fact that there are more people living with Parkinson’s than many realize. One of the speakers, Ben (a member of our PCAC), shared that he was initially hesitant to join the Parkinson’s community. He worried about seeing a glimpse of what his future might hold. But his perspective changed quickly, and he now finds the community deeply supportive, so much so that he’s become an active organizer of Parkinson’s community events himself. His honesty and openness about that journey resonated with many in the room.

A Message Worth Carrying Forward

Jon Affleck, who lives with Parkinson’s and emceed the event, left us with a message that has stuck with us since: the choice to walk in the light and make the best of every situation. It’s a simple idea, but a powerful one, and it captured the spirit of the entire day.

Familiar Faces, New Connections

It was wonderful to see so many people connected to our network at the event, including Laurine, one of our PCAC members, alongside Ben, Dr. Schlossmacher, and Dr. Bruno, all of whom contributed to the panels in meaningful ways. Beyond our own network, it was a privilege to meet so many new people from the broader Parkinson’s community.

Overall, the PD IQ + You conference was a fantastic opportunity to share what C-OPN is all about, build new connections, and hear directly from researchers, clinicians, and people with lived experience. Days like this remind us why the work we do matters, and we’re grateful to everyone who stopped by, shared their story, or signed up to get involved with CaPRI.

We look forward to continuing these conversations and welcoming new members into the C-OPN community in the months ahead.