Family and friends are an important part of Chris Olsen's life - especially to draw inspiration and support from, as she struggles with symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

The Maple Ridge resident was diagnosed with the condition in 2002, which put her in a "semishock" state from which it took a long time to recover.

But, over time, she said, she had to learn to live with it and cope with it.

"Don't give in and let it control you," Olsen said about her attitude now towards the disease. "Don't let it beat you."

There are new medications and remedies being developed, and even in the decade since she was diagnosed, Olsen has seen new developments.

Olsen said she keeps looking on the Internet to find some information that will tell her that dark chocolate is the cure for Parkinson's - but to no avail.

Olsen attends the local Parkinson support group to help her cope with the disease.

She is amazed at the dedication of the group members.

"I really love the people there," she said.

She has learned that everyone who has Parkinson's has a different experience, and for many, the symptoms are not the same.

One misconception is that all people with Parkinson's look the same, and many people tell her she doesn't look like she has Parkinson's.

Sometimes, in public places, children make comments about her symptoms, but Olsen doesn't mind at all.

"If they want to talk about it, I'm perfectly happy [with that]," she said.

Olsen has a lot of sleep disturbances, and cramps in her calves and feet.

One key factor is to keep stress as low as possible, she said, because stress increases symptoms, which then in turn increases stress levels.

Deep breathing and spending lots of time with her family, including her three grandchildren, are good ways to manage her stress as well as walking.

This coming Saturday, a Parkinson SuperWalk will be held locally for the second time.

Last year's walk raised $3,000. The walk takes place in Pitt Meadows Spirit Square (behind City hall on Harris Road) and starts at 11 a.m. Registration opens at 10: 30 a.m.

To register online, go to www. parkinsonsuperwalk.ca.

More than 11,000 people in B.C. are affected by Parkinson's disease.

mrantanen@mrtimes.com