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Last updated at 8:16 AM on 11/08/08

Luke McIver
Parkinson's disease awareness aim of tip-to-tip run print this article

KINKORA
STACEY MURRAY
Transcontinental Media
http://www.journalpioneer.com/index....=160839&sc=118

Luke McIver will be running Prince Edward Island from tip to tip to raise awareness for a disease that has hit close to home.

McIver is set to make his way across the province between Thursday and Sunday for his grandparents, who have both dealt with Parkinson’s disease.
His grandfather, Marshall Thomas, passed away in 1991, while his grandmother is now trying to manage the disease after being diagnosed 12 years ago.

McIver, an active runner, wanted to find a way to help raise awareness for the disease, so he decided to put his feet to work.

“I’ve been running a lot. . . I might as well do it for a reason.”

When he told his parents about the idea, they were quick to lend their support. His grandmother is also touched by the idea, he said.

“She’s pretty proud. She’s one of my biggest supporters.”

McIver said if his grandfather were here, he’d also appreciate the effort.
“I think it would be very important for him.”

McIver will start his run in East Point on Thursday and will finish the fourth leg of his run in Tignish on Sunday.

He said sponsors have been supportive of the run and the cause it supports.
“It’s important to know everyone is behind us.”

McIver hasn’t set a goal for the run, although he does have an idea of how much he’d like to raise.

“I want to make as much as possible.”

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system.

It often affects a person’s motor skills and speech. There is no cure.