Editor: I am writing this letter in hopes of having my dad’s bicycle returned to him.
His bicycle was stolen on Tuesday, Sept. 9 around 11 a.m. at Willoughby Town Centre in Langley. It is a silver specialized bike with black lettering, and rounded handlebars with golf balls on the end. There was about $100 worth of groceries in the saddlebags.
This was no ordinary bicycle. My father, Franco Canale, has suffered from Parkinson’s disease for over 15 years. I will always remember him as an incredibly active man. He was a PE teacher, he ran marathons, and I have many wonderful memories of him taking me and my six siblings on camping trips, long bike rides, and hikes. While he will always be strong in my eyes, this disease has changed his life immeasurably.
As you may be aware, Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder that gradually affects one’s movement. He has gone from the active man I described to one who is often not able to walk, despite his medication.
The one thing that keeps him motivated is his bike. He has spent many hours and a lot of money customizing it to suit his needs, and as he has not been able to drive for 10 years, it is his only means of transportation. It enables him to keep active, strong and positive in the face of his illness, and I truly believe it is saving his life. He is devastated that it is gone.
As my dad is unable to work, my extremely hardworking mom is the sole provider for her family of seven children. This makes it difficult financially for him to purchase another bike that will suit his special needs. If the person who took it could somehow return it to the police, no questions asked, our family would be extremely grateful.
Awareness around Parkinson’s is increasing, due in part to the activism of celebrities, such as Michael J. Fox. My father and the rest of my family were proud to recently volunteer at the Parkinson’s SuperWalk at Stanley Park.
If the public would like more information, or to volunteer or donate, please contact the Parkinson’s Society of British Columbia at www.parkinson.bc.ca.
Cecilia Canale,
Langley
