From kick-boxing to stunt boxing seminars and yoga, the Kick It for Parkinson’s fundraiser returned with a wide range of physical activities in a new, larger location.
The day-long event was meant to raise money for research into Parkinson’s, a movement disorder affecting the nervous system.
Chantal Theriault, who was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s at age 37 in the summer of 2020, says she’s turning “a negative into a positive” by helping raise money to fight the disorder through kick-boxing. The fundraiser in the National Capital Region gives its proceeds to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which is committed to finding a cure for Parkinson’s through research and to developing better treatments.
Theriault picked up kick-boxing from her father, Jean-Yves “The Iceman” Theriault, a renowned former world champion.
In its first year, the Theriault event raised more than $6,200. Revenue for Year 2 exceeded expectations by bringing in $22,000, well above the $5,000 goal.
With this year’s venue being “a much larger one,” Theriault was optimistic about the proceeds for 2026, though that total was not available on Saturday.
“Shaken, not stirred,” reads the tattoo on Chantal Theriault’s inner arm, a nod to resilience and humour following her early-onset Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Scaling up fundraising proved to be quite “terrifying,” said Theriault, who added that going from her father’s kick-boxing school, which accommodated a smaller group, to the Centre communautaire Père Arthur-Guertin in Gatineau meant more people showed up for workouts.
“I have so many people here that, frankly, I’ve not even met ever, but they’re here to support the cause, and that, to me, is a win,” Theriault said. “Because, when you stop and you look around you, the people that are around you are there to support you and to lift you up.”
Larticipants took part in kick-boxing, strength and yoga sessions during the third Kick It for Parkinson’s fundraiser.
Theriault said the funding strategist for the Michael J. Fox Foundation called to let her know she had been invited to the Team Fox MVP weekend in New York City.
“This is for everybody who raises a certain amount of money per year,” she said, adding that the weekend was designed to celebrate fundraising efforts. “I’m super excited to present them with a beautiful cheque with a big red bow on it and to show them that Kick it for Parkinson’s is here to stay.
“I have friends all throughout Quebec and all around the world, frankly, who have rallied and they’re doing their own fundraisers at their schools.”
More than 120,000 across the country live with Parkinson’s, according to Parkinson Canada.
With files from Ashley Fraser
Jean-Yves “The Iceman” Theriault, a former world kick-boxing champion, moves through the space offering guidance and encouragement to participants during sessions at the Kick It for Parkinson’s fundraiser.
Chantal Theriault’s uncle, Vic Theriault, smiles as he helps participants during the Kick It for Parkinson’s fundraiser.
Jean-Yves “The Iceman” Theriault, a former world kick-boxing champion, and Chantal Theriault’s father, gives her a hug during the Kick It for Parkinson event on Saturday.
Carolle Laliberté fires off punches during a drill as part of the Kick It for Parkinson event on Saturday.
Josiane Jalbert takes part in sessions at the Kick It for Parkinson’s fundraiser on Saturday.
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