Hi. My name is Shelagh, and I am hoping to raise money for my brother who contracted Parkinson's disease before covid hit. His first sign was when he was at work and his hand suddenly froze at his computer.

Nine years later, his Parkinson's progressed to the point where it affected his ability to get work.

He lost his home, his life as he knew it and has not worked in over 2 years. His only source of income is OAS and CPP that does not cover his rent and monthly expenses for day-to-day living. He continues to try to gain employment, but society is hard on people that do not speak clearly as the disease has affected his speech and mobility.

On top of this hurdle, James was also diagnosed with retina holes in both eyes. This has put off any hopes of working in the next few months as well. Surgery is scheduled for the first of March with hopes for a positive outcome.

Additionally, he will be assessed for DBS (deep brain surgery) by August that should help minimize his Parkinson's symptoms and may be able to function better from day to day. There is an assessment to see if his is a candidate for this surgery.

James is a positive thinker and is bound and determined to continue to give back to his community through his Kung Fu training of over 40 years as a 7th degree blackbelt. Given his struggles, he wants to help those with mobility issues as he has. His martial arts have kept him physically stronger.

If you choose to support James, this will help him immensely and help him share his art that would allow him to gain independence and connection to the community through his planned Kung Fu Dance movement classes. Not only would you help him help himself it would allow James to reconnect with his martial arts community. We have already secured a local venue to start this program in hopes to start this positive venture after his surgery.