Although they started fundraising separately, Alyse Geiger and Melanie Ozdoba of Edmonton have always had something in common: their love for their grandfathers. The two 13-year-olds first met two years ago at the annual SuperWalk for Parkinson's, a national event that raises money for research.
Alyse's grandfather, Leo Geiger, and Melanie's, Walter Meyer, live with this progressive neurodegenerative illness. It affects their mobility and speech -- and it affects their granddaughters, as well.
"I feel very sad when I see how much this disease has robbed Grandpa of the enjoyment of activities that he used to love so much," says Alyse. But watching their grandfathers cope with the disease makes both girls more determined than ever. So determined that they raised almost $13,000 last year.
Alyse earned about $9,000 through neighbourhood garage sales that she organized. Many sponsors also stepped forward to help her, she says. Melanie, meanwhile, held bottle and can drives that netted more than $4,000. Both girls donated the money they raised at last September's SuperWalk.
They are also fundraising for this fall's event and plan to continue. "People with Parkinson's struggle every day and I want to help change that," says Melanie. "My ultimate goal is to help find a cure and help my grandfather get well again so he no longer has to suffer and can enjoy life."
Alyse is just as resolute. "I am so blessed that I am healthy and can make a difference in the lives of people with Parkinson's," she says. "I can help make them feel they are not forgotten."
And it's not only the money and the sense of accomplishment that both girls have earned. Melanie's grandfather says he's "so proud that his buttons are popping off!" She keeps a chart to track her fundraising results, and he likes to show it off to his friends.
Alyse's grandfather is thrilled, too. "When I'm fundraising, I can hear his quiet voice telling me how proud he is of me. It keeps me going," she says.
To learn more, visit www.parkinson.caand www.superwalk.com.
