Christy Lyle lives with her family in beautiful British Columbia, Canada.  She enjoys photography, music, paper scrapbooking, digital scrapbooking and spending time with her husband and two children. Christy started digital scrapbooking in 2004.  In August 2005, she began selling her digital designs at The Digi Chick and then in February 2006 became one of the founding designers at www.SweetShoppeDesigns.com where she currently sells her designs.  She has also has designed paper lines for My Mind’s Eye (www.mymindseye.com) and Inque Boutique (www.goinque.com).  Christy is blessed to have found an amazing opportunity that allows her to have a career and stay at home with her children.

About the Charity:

Parkinson disease is a brain disorder which occurs when certain nerve cells in the brain die or become impaired.  Normally, these cells produce a chemical called dopamine which allows the smooth and coordinated function of the body’s muscle movement.  When approximately 80% of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged, the symptoms of Parkinson disease appear.  Some signs of Parkinson disease are tremor (shaking), slowness of movement, rigidity (stiffness), difficulty of balance, small or cramped handwriting, stiff facial expression, shuffling walk, muffled speech and depression.

Parkinson disease affects both men and women in almost equal numbers.  While the condition usually develops after the age of 65, 15% of those diagnosed are under 50.  There is no known cure for Parkinson disease however there are currently some treatment options: medication and surgical therapy, lifestyle modifications such as rest and exercise, physical therapy and speech therapy.

Christy’s grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson disease in his 40s and since there is no cure for Parkinson disease, he was affected with the disease for the rest of his life.

Christy is thankful for the many years of research and education that the National Parkinson Foundation has done and is doing for those who suffer from Parkinson disease.