Wow what a year its been!  I am very proud of all of the hard work and dedication that our team has done to continue to support The Steve Ludzik Parkinson’s Rehab Centre in Niagara where we offer a one of a kind centre for people living with Parkinson’s disease and their families.  

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It reminds me that when you have a dream and are willing to work hard anything is possible.  My childhood dream to become a hockey player in the NHL came true after hard work, dedication and a family who supported me.  After a 16-year career as both a player and coach little did I know my biggest challenge was yet to begin.

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Before I officially retired from the NHL, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 39 while coaching the Tampa Bay Lightening.  While it was a shock to Mary Ann and I, we decided to keep it quiet for sometime until I was ready to acknowledge it publicly.  During this period of acceptance, I retired and we moved the family back home to Niagara. It was clear to me that due to the lack of programs available anywhere in Ontario, that I could make a difference and give people HOPE who are living with Parkinson’s. This is where my next biggest challenge began and the beginning of The Steve Ludzik Foundation.  

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The doors opened in 2013 as we partnered with Hotel Dieu Shaver Health & Rehabilitation Centre.  Since then we have had over 200 people through the program and the work continues with a waiting list of up to two years.  Our clinic is solely funded through donations from The Steve Ludzik Foundation and private donations.  Like any good organization, we were searching for partners to help us grow, lessen those wait times and expand our services.

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I’m thrilled to announce that we are partnering with The Toronto Clinic; with Dr. Fabio Varlese and his team who strive to excel in preventative care that is supported through research, evidence based medicine and the willingness to take on finding a cure for Parkinson’s.  We are excited by the newly created Parkinson’s Medical Specialty Centre in Toronto where we will be able to accelerate access to specialized care for people with Parkinson’s.

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Help us continue making a difference in our communities.  I sincerely hope that you will consider supporting our Toronto and Niagara initiative’s through The Steve Ludzik Foundation.  

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