About Us

U-Turn Parkinson’s is a wellness center with a mission to empower people living with Parkinson’s in their pursuit of wellness. We are here to improve people’s quality of life while living with Parkinson’s, by offering a variety of accessible in-person classes, online classes and community support.

In April of 2016, U-Turn Parkinson’s was founded by Tim Hague Sr, after having been diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) in 2011. Walking out of the doctor’s office that day with nothing more than medication and a six-month return appointment, Tim didn’t feel as though he was set up to really handle this diagnosis well. While grateful for the resources provided to him at the time, he knew there was more he could be doing. Being a nurse for 21 years prior, he knew that exercise was crucial in slowing the progression of one’s symptoms. However, there weren’t any exercise or wellness-focused programs available here in Winnipeg. Tim was 46 at the time, still had kids in school, and was determined to learn how to manage PD to the best of his ability. Thus, U-Turn Parkinson’s was founded not just to serve a personal need, but a larger need for all those living with Parkinson’s.

How We Became ‘U-Turn Parkinson’s’

The name “U-Turn” is taken from the founder, Tim Hague Sr, and his son, Tim Hague Jr’s experience in winning The Amazing Race Canada. During the show, competitors are given the opportunity to u-turn other racers with the intent of either slowing them down or eliminating them from the race. At U-Turn Parkinson’s, it is our desire to slow the processes of the disease.

How We Help

U-Turn Parkinson’s seeks to empower those living with Parkinson’s in their pursuit of wellness. We are committed to supporting individuals through a holistic approach, and see wellness as an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward a more successful existence.

We aim to inspire, inform and provide the tools needed to improve one’s quality of life. We do this by offering a diverse suite of physical activity and wellness programs and services, and continually finding new ways to fight back against this disease.

We see wellness as having 6 focuses: intellectual, occupational, spiritual, physical, social, and emotional. At U-Turn Parkinson’s we aim to provide the tools for the person living with Parkinson’s to pursue wellness in each of these categories.

U-Turn Parkinson’s is a Canadian charity committed to helping individuals live their best in spite of Parkinson’s. We rely solely on donations and the support of individuals, foundations, and corporations to sustain and grow our mission. 

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Who We Are

Tim Hague

Founder

Taylor Devlin

Executive Director

Genevieve Blanchard

Program Coordinator

Governance Team

Tim Hague

Founder & Chair of the Board

About Tim Hague
Tim is a retired nurse of 20+ years who devotes his time to professional speaking, writing and as the founder of the Parkinson’s Wellness Centre, U-Turn Parkinson’s. He is a co-founder of the Global Alliance to End Parkinson’s; The PD Avengers. After having been diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease at the age of 46 Tim and his son went on to win the first season of the reality television series The Amazing Race Canada. Tim’s personal journey with Parkinson’s has fueled his advocacy efforts, making him an outspoken and effective advocate for people living with Parkinson’s worldwide.

Mike Luik

Treasurer

About Mike Luik
Michael Luik, B.Comm(Hons), CFP, is a valued founding member of U-Turn Parkinson’s and a close friend of Tim Hague Sr. Born and raised in Winnipeg MB, Michael holds a deep appreciation for our city’s rich history of philanthropy and the strong sense of community it embodies. With an impressive 30-year career as a financial advisor, he has provided guidance and support to numerous individuals and businesses across Manitoba and Western Canada. Together with his wife, Michael embraces a love for travel, engaging in fitness training, spending quality time with friends and family, and actively participating in their local church community.

Lynn Unger

Secretary

About Lynn Unger
Lynn brings with her over 20 years of demonstrated world class leadership with 2 large national corporations. Her unique sales management and psychology background allows her to form meaningful connections with diverse individuals from a variety of professional backgrounds and levels. Lynn’s experience in working with Senior Management and sales teams has honed her greatest strengths in the areas of mentoring, motivating and coaching people to be their absolute best.

Liliane Kirouac Vilar

Director at Large

About Liliane Kirouac Vilar
Liliane Kirouac Vilar, GWCPM, is a retired IT Project Manager and IT Vendor Relations Manager at Canada Life, bringing 23 years of experience in building strong project teams and driving innovative solutions. Liliane’s commitment to her work is fueled by her strong work ethic, professional integrity, and passion for continuous learning. She holds a Master’s Certification in Project Management from McMaster University and George Washington University, which she applies not only in her previous roles but also in supporting NAIDA Communications, a sales and marketing consulting firm she owns with her husband. In her leisure time, Liliane indulges in her passions for golfing, cycling, and skiing. However, her greatest joy comes from spending quality time with her husband and two children.