Woman honoured for compassion while suffering from Parkinson's disease.
Beverly Lavender received the Parkinson Society Canada's highest honour, the Mimi Feutl Award for her compassionate support of those who have been newly diagnosed. Lavender, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2004, has lead a support group, now in its seventh year.
Courtesy photo
Beverly Lavender was honoured for her compassion, energy and unwavering commitment in helping to make a difference in the lives of those affected by Parkinson's disease at an awards ceremony last week.
Lavender, a Bloor Street West and Ellis Avenue area resident, is Parkinson Society Canada's 2011 Mimi Feutl Award recipient. She was honoured at a reception at the Toronto Botanical Gardens Wednesday, Oct. 12.
"I've never been recognized for something that means so much," Lavender told the Villager afterwards. She was diagnosed with Parkinson's in April of 2004. "Just knowing that someone thought so highly of me, who felt I deserved this kind of recognition - I'm in pretty awesome company in terms of past award recipients."
Feutl, for whom the award is named, was the director of patient services with the Parkinson Society of Canada for more than 22 years. Lavender exemplifies the same ability that Feutl had to ensure respect, dignity and individuality when providing support to people who have been diagnosed with the disease.
Lavender is the leader and facilitator of 'Moving Ahead Together,' a support group for individuals newly diagnosed, now in its seventh year. Lavender was commended for her dedication to people with Parkinson's, whether through its annual SuperWalk or as a contributor to the Neurological Health Charities Canada as part of its roundtable discussion about developing future public policy regarding neurological health issues. She is also actively involved in the Parkinson Society Central and Northern Ontario's advocacy committee.
When Lavender was first diagnosed at the age of 44, she said she didn't know where to turn. When her right hand would freeze while she maneuvered the computer mouse, Lavender thought she might have Carpal tunnel syndrome. She went to see her family doctor, who sent her to see a neurologist. Following a nerve condition study, the neurologist delivered the news.
"I was not prepared for it. His voice sounded like it was coming from far away - I felt like I was punched in the stomach," Lavender recalled.
However, she admits she had been in denial.
"I had lost my sense of smell years earlier and had signs of depression, which is another preliminary symptom. And, I was dragging my right foot just enough to notice," she said.
Surfing the internet, Lavender said she stumbled upon the Parkinson Society Canada's website.
"They are foremost at providing information - about the disease itself, where to find help, getting referrals to neurologists and movement specialists and funding research," she said.
After taking part in an introductory overview session, Lavender said she and the other participants were told it was up to them to form a support group. At the time, each member took turns facilitating the meetings, but people come and go, said Lavender, and the responsibility eventually fell in her lap.
"Here I am seven years later," she said. "It's everything to me. I need the group more than they need me. I'm there for the same reason everyone else is, to share a common experience."
Since her diagnosis, Lavender says there's been a lot of changes in her life. She said she's definitely slowed down.
"Walking is a lot slower than it used to be," she said, adding she's sleep deprived from both the disease and the medication.
Lavender anticipates being able to continue working for a while yet. She's a senior merchandise manager for a large men's apparel company.
"I'm still capable," she said.
As Lavender is known to say, 'Parkinson's lives with me, I don't live with Parkinson's.'