Hobbies, friends help him stay positive with PD
Jean-Francois LeBlanc
New Brunswick, Canada
Year of diagnosis: 2025
Exercises of choice: cardio / treadmill / hiking
Favorite outdoor exercise: hiking
Favorite place to hike: We have a nearby park called Fundy National Park. It is my favorite place to go!
Toughest hike and why: My toughest hike was Mount Ben Nevis in Scotland. I hiked it last year. It was a big struggle as I had Parkinson’s, but I didn’t know at the time I had it, so I pushed right through. It was 17 km (10.5 miles) up and down.
Most proud of related to the outdoors: Climbing Ben Nevis!
Outdoor or exercise gear that is a must: A good pair of hiking shoes. But if it’s a tough hike, definitely hiking poles!
Advice for someone recently diagnosed who wants to stay active: Don’t believe everything you see online. You may get misled by fake “facts.”
Advice for someone with PD who is just starting to exercise: Don’t stop exercising!
Biggest challenge with Parkinson’s right now: I have a lot of struggles with my left leg. It hurts a lot. Parkinson’s also impedes my sleeping, so I’m tired a lot.
How I try to stay positive: My wife helps me enormously by encouraging and motivating me. I also have other hobbies that I like that keep me positive. I love hanging out with my friends as well. I also have a flight simulator, which is great for working my mind.
Advocacy work for PD: I have raised over $1,000 so far for MJFF, and over $5,500 for Parkinson Canada. I am organizing virtual flights around the world: One started on July 5, and the other one starts on Sept.1. I also will be organizing hikes in my area for MJFF and Parkinson Canada.
Other interests/hobbies: flight simulation / friends / listening to music
Career field: I am currently on sick leave but hoping to go back once I get DBS surgery. I work in law enforcement.
Something the world should know: I have an active Facebook page called Still Moving Forward With Parkinson’s. This is one of my favorite hobbies!
How to find me online: Facebook “Still Moving Forward With Parkinsons” and Instagram “stillmovingfwdwithparkinsons”
Jean-Francois and his wife, Celine Benoit, hiked the Napali Coast in Hawaii.
Here, he’s shown in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.
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If you have Parkinson’s disease and the outdoors and exercise are part of your life, share your story in Unshakable Voices. Email unshakablehiker@gmail.com for details.