Richard Molde was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease almost 20 years ago, and his journey has led him and the entirety of Team Molde to becoming an important part of the local support network.
Richard is a pioneer who took part in a Parkinson’s study for around six or seven years when first diagnosed, as he was a prime candidate with no other health issues besides the degenerative disease.
Parkinson’s is a difficult disease to live with for many, and it is Richard’s incredible strength and perseverance that made him such a role model at the local support group.
He joined the group back in 2013 when it formed, eventually being named the Support Group Hero for his unrelenting positive attitude and his willingness to help others deal with what they are going through.
“When they're all coming into the group, afraid of the future, they were looking to Richard,” said Bev Molde, Richard’s wife. “He's an example of what you can do if you try hard enough, don't give in.”
Now, Richard has been chosen to be the familiar face to promote this year’s Parkinson’s SuperWalk, as Moose Jaw’s Local Hero. It’s thanks to the lasting impression he’s left on so many others that his incredible efforts are being spotlighted in this way.
Team Molde — and that includes children, grandchildren, cousins, and friends of Bev and Richard’s — has taken an active role in the fight for a cure, lending all of their voices and efforts to some impressive fundraising each year.
Since the first SuperWalk in 2016, the Molde family has taken part in raising money for Parkinson’s research every year by signing up as a team for the walk. Then, in 2017, they took their efforts one step further with their own fundraiser event.
Pedal for Parkinson’s now takes place each year at the family’s cabin out in Palliser Regional Park.
The Molde family poses for a photo, boasting the custom t-shirts they had made for their fundraiser. (supplied)They usually see between 50 and 70 people show up to the event. Every donation collected goes directly to Parkinson’s research, presented to Parkinson Canada at the SuperWalk each year.
The Molde’s will be hosting Pedal for Parkinson’s again this year on July 27, with the bike races starting up at 2:30 p.m. and supper hitting the grill about 4:30 p.m. Team Molde invites everyone to stop by, either at Pedal for Parkinson’s or the SuperWalk, and get involved with the cause.
“Just come out, see what it's all about, be a part of it,” said Bev.
Between family and their friends, Team Molde has amassed many impressive donations over the years. Bev finds that people always really step up to the plate to help their cause.
“People are wonderful. Everybody has somebody with Parkinson's, if you talk to them,” said Bev.
Richard is now in Providence Place, but Team Molde — alongside everyone else who looks forward to seeing him each year — is still planning on seeing him down at the bike races for the day.
There is no limit to the number of people welcome to attend Team Molde’s Pedal for Parkinson’s fundraiser, located at 145 Sargeant Crescent in Palliser Park, and the family hopes to see as much support as they’ve been graced with in previous years.
