Former Morden residents Roy and Evelyne Holenski are well-known in the baseball world (both are in the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame) but have now been recognized for their support of Parkinson Canada.

For the Holenskis both passions would become intertwined after meeting Karen Doell in the early 1980's.

The Holenskis scouted Doell, a high school student at the time, to be part of the junior national softball championship team. It was the start of a coaching relationship that lasted more than two decades and three national championships.

Doell would go on to play in the Olympics as well.

"I don't know how many people can say they were coached by the same people for 20 years, it's pretty cool," Doell says.

"I've often considered them to be like my second parents... I know my life wouldn't be the same without having met them."

Doell recounts the day she gave them their news she had been diagnosed with the chronic neurological disease, Parkinson's.

"I remember going to the ball diamond to share that news with them, and ever since then they've been behind me, again still 100 percent," Doell says.

Evelyn and Roy Holenski accept their certificate with the Lieutenant Governor Janice Filmon. Submitted photo

The Holenskis have gone on to participate in Parkinson SuperWalk fundraiser in Morden since 2003 in support of Doell, making numerous personal donations ranging from $35 to $10,000.

Their support caught the attention of Parkinson Canada who recently awarded Roy and Evelyne the Parkinson Canada Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation.

Lorri Apps, Managing Director, Parkinson Manitoba, explains all dollars donated are rolled back into the community through local support groups, annual conferences, resources, a toll-free information line, and more.

She adds the donations are especially important as they don't receive funding from the government.

The award was presented by Lieutenant Governor Janice Filmon on World Parkinson’s Day, April 11th at Government House in Winnipeg.

"We never expected it," Roy says. "It was quite a surprise."

He explains Parkinson's disease hits home both through Karen and another family member.

"So it was like looking after two people and helping out, and we're glad to do that."

Holenski adds the SuperWalk is a meaningful experience, literally walking alongside the people you are supporting.

Evelyne says they are impressed by Doell's courage and positive attitude as an advocate for Parkinson research.

More than 6,500 people live with Parkinson's disease in Manitoba. The next SuperWalk takes place in Morden, September 16.

The Parkinson SuperWalk takes place in Morden September 16. File photo