Spark the Night in Corkery on World Parkinson’s Day

CORKERY – Spark the Night in Corkery as West Carleton marks World Parkinson’s Day.

Corkery’s Dianne Bramble has long been a fundraiser for Parkinson’s Disease. A Corkery resident and nurse who now operates her own health-centred business Mind and Body Wellness for You is also an advocate for those battling the disease.

Bramble herself was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2013. Over the years she has raised fund for research by publishing a superhero story in 2018, by painting and auctioning off that work for the Parkinson’s Canada SuperWalk, and this year by raising awareness on World Parkinson’s Day.

“April is Parkinson’s Disease month and April 11 is World Parkinson’s Day,” Bramble told West Carleton Online March 28. “To create more awareness about the disease, which I have, many Parkinson’s advocacy groups are going blue. Cities around the world will be shining blue as they light up the night with hundreds and thousands of lights. I’m trying to get as many people as possible from the neighbourhood to put out at least one blue light on April 11. Let’s be a part of a worldwide movement to bring attention to the soon to be fastest growing incurable, progressive, neurological disease in the world. There is also a sit-to-stand challenge on April 11, so feel free to add to the total down in my gym. I’ll have a sheet that you can record them on.”

Approximately 10 million people worldwide are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, but the cause of the disease remains unknown. Small handwriting and loss of smell are some of the early symptoms. The disease is currently incurable and is progressive.

This year, Bramble is one of 16 World Parkinson Congress Ambassadors. The WPC 2026 Ambassadors were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, all of whom live with Parkinson’s. Together, they have been living with Parkinson’s for a combined 114 years, making them experts on a disease that is often misunderstood, complex to diagnose, and challenging to live with.
They are experts in living with Parkinson’s because they experience it 24/7. All of them have attended at least one previous World Parkinson Congress and found the experience life-changing.

Bramble’s gym can be found at 113 Sierra Woods Dr. and she will open her doors from 9 .m. to 6 p.m. answering any questions you might have.

“Also, that day I’ll be hosting an Open House at 113 Sierra Woods Dr.,” Bramble said. “You can marvel at my home gym and ask me questions about Parkinson’s. There will be snacks!”