Victoria man living with Parkinson’s shares his story ahead of Victoria Mile

As hundreds prepare to step, roll and walk through downtown Victoria next month, one local resident is hoping his story helps others better understand what life with Parkinson’s disease really looks like.

In a recent conversation with Victoria Buzz, 52-year-old Vic West resident Damian Kruz opened up about his journey, the challenges he faces daily and why events like the Victoria Mile 2026 matter so much.

Kruz was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s at just 40-years-old, after noticing a tremor in his right hand and increasing rigidity on one side of his body.

“In the early years, Parkinson’s was manageable,” he said.

“Medication helped keep many of the symptoms under control, and although there were limitations, I was able to live with it. But over the last five years, it has become much more challenging.”

That progression led to a major decision and after more than two years on a waitlist, Kruz recently underwent Deep Brain Stimulation surgery, a procedure that involves implanting devices in the brain to help manage symptoms.

“DBS will not cure Parkinson’s, but the hope is that it will help control the symptoms and improve my quality of life,” he said, adding that the devices are scheduled to be turned on May 19th, the day after this year’s Victoria Mile.

While recovery has gone well so far, the wait to see how effective the treatment will be hasn’t been easy.

“It affects everyone differently, but I have hopes it will improve my quality of life,” he said.

For Kruz, Parkinson’s is something he feels every single day.

“Rigidity makes it hard to move. Tremors can feel like sitting on top of a washing machine on spin cycle,” he said.

“Sitting for more than 20 minutes can make me feel like I’ve been encased in concrete. When I stand up, balance is an issue. My gait is uneven, and freezing can happen.”

Still, he remains determined. “But I keep moving forward.”

Kruz credits his mindset, along with strong support from his wife, family and the team at Parkinson Wellness Projects, for helping him navigate the disease.

“The free services they provide are incredible,” he said. “Exercise is one of the most important tools for managing Parkinson’s, along with medication, diet, and treatments like DBS.”

Parkinson Wellness Projects now supports more than 700 families, and its largest annual fundraiser is the Victoria Mile, which takes place during the Victoria Day Parade.

This year’s event begins at the Legislature and follows a new route through downtown, and Kruz will be among those participating.

“I’ll be taking part, and I’m asking anyone who is available to come walk with us,” he said.

“If you can’t walk, please consider making a donation.”

His team, fittingly named “Team Damian F**k Parkinson’s 2026,” reflects both his sense of humour and his determination to push back against the disease.

One of the biggest misconceptions, Kruz says, is that Parkinson’s changes who a person is.

“Parkinson’s slows you down. It affects your gait, your strength, your movement and your energy,” he said. “But we are still the same people we were before Parkinson’s.”

Despite the daily challenges, he continues to work and stay active.

“I still go to work every day, or at least try to. I still try to participate in life as much as possible, keep a routine and keep moving.”

For those who have recently been diagnosed, his message is clear:

“Go to Parkinson Wellness Projects, follow your doctor’s advice, take your medication, exercise and stay active,” he said.

“Parkinson’s will slow you down, but it is not the end of the world. Keep your purpose.”

As for what’s next, Kruz is focused on the road ahead, both personally and physically.

“I plan to stay active, continue helping my real estate clients as much as possible and keep pushing forward.”

And just one day before his new treatment is switched on, he’ll be out on the streets of Victoria, walking alongside a community that continues to show up for one another.

Registration for the 2026 Victoria Mile is still open and everyone is welcome.