Anne Rutherford, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Anne Rutherford was a founding member of the St. John's Chapter of Parkinson Society Canada. She was instrumental in the establishment of four support groups, a movement disorders clinic and a number of Parkinson's organizations in Newfoundland and beyond. She launched a provincial newsletter on the disease and travelled across the province with a group of health care professionals to share her experiences and knowledge in day-long seminars. Through the Internet, she shares her knowledge and offers support to people around the world. She also had a 1-800 telephone line installed in her home to respond to calls from across the province. While daily facing the effects of Parkinson's disease, Ms. Rutherford has displayed humour and great courage in her endeavours to help others with the illness.