{"id":552579,"date":"2026-03-22T04:58:38","date_gmt":"2026-03-22T04:58:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/552579\/"},"modified":"2026-03-22T04:58:38","modified_gmt":"2026-03-22T04:58:38","slug":"capital-region-kick-boxing-fundraiser-helps-support-parkinsons-research","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/552579\/","title":{"rendered":"Capital-region kick-boxing fundraiser helps support Parkinson’s research"},"content":{"rendered":"

From kick-boxing to stunt boxing seminars and yoga, the Kick It for Parkinson\u2019s fundraiser returned with a wide range of physical activities in a new, larger location.<\/p>\n

The day-long event was meant to raise money for research into Parkinson\u2019s, a movement disorder affecting the nervous system.<\/p>\n

Chantal Theriault, who was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson\u2019s at age 37 in the summer of 2020, says she\u2019s turning \u201ca negative into a positive\u201d 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<\/a> to finding a cure for Parkinson\u2019s through research and to developing better treatments.<\/p>\n

Theriault picked up kick-boxing from her father, Jean-Yves \u201cThe Iceman\u201d Theriault, a renowned former world champion.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

With this year\u2019s venue being \u201ca much larger one,\u201d Theriault was optimistic about the proceeds for 2026, though that total was not available on Saturday.<\/p>\n

\"<\/p>\n

\u201cShaken, not stirred,\u201d reads the tattoo on Chantal Theriault\u2019s inner arm, a nod to resilience and humour following her early-onset Parkinson\u2019s diagnosis.<\/p>\n

Scaling up fundraising proved to be quite \u201cterrifying,\u201d said Theriault, who added that going from her father\u2019s kick-boxing school, which accommodated a smaller group, to the Centre communautaire P\u00e8re Arthur-Guertin in Gatineau meant more people showed up for workouts.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have so many people here that, frankly, I\u2019ve not even met ever, but they\u2019re here to support the cause, and that, to me, is a win,\u201d Theriault said. \u201cBecause, when you stop and you look around you, the people that are around you are there to support you and to lift you up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"<\/p>\n

Larticipants took part in kick-boxing, strength and yoga sessions during the third Kick It for Parkinson\u2019s fundraiser.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is for everybody who raises a certain amount of money per year,\u201d she said, adding that the weekend was designed to celebrate fundraising efforts. \u201cI\u2019m 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\u2019s is here to stay.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have friends all throughout Quebec and all around the world, frankly, who have rallied and they\u2019re doing their own fundraisers at their schools.\u201d<\/p>\n

More than 120,000 across the country live with<\/a> Parkinson\u2019s, according to Parkinson Canada.<\/p>\n

With files from Ashley Fraser\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"<\/p>\n

Jean-Yves \u201cThe Iceman\u201d 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\u2019s fundraiser.<\/p>\n

\"<\/p>\n

Chantal Theriault\u2019s uncle, Vic Theriault, smiles as he helps participants during the Kick It for Parkinson\u2019s fundraiser.<\/p>\n

\"<\/p>\n

Jean-Yves \u201cThe Iceman\u201d Theriault, a former world kick-boxing champion, and Chantal Theriault\u2019s father, gives her a hug during the Kick It for Parkinson event on Saturday.<\/p>\n

\"<\/p>\n

Carolle Lalibert\u00e9 fires off punches during a drill as part of the Kick It for Parkinson event on Saturday.<\/p>\n

\"<\/p>\n

Josiane Jalbert takes part in sessions at the Kick It for Parkinson\u2019s fundraiser on Saturday.<\/p>\n

Related<\/p>\n

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