News

Jul. 8, 2026 / ST. CATHARINES, ON: There were smiles, laughter, tears and standing ovations at Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre today as Canadian country music star Tim Hicks made a special visit to meet patients participating in the hospital’s Parkinson’s Rehabilitation Program and beyond.

What began as a tour quickly became a meaningful afternoon as Hicks spent time speaking one-on-one with patients, hearing their stories, and sharing music with those living with Parkinson’s disease. Patients, families and staff gathered to enjoy an intimate acoustic performance that brought moments of joy, connection and hope.

Throughout the visit, patients candidly shared their Parkinson’s journeys with Hicks—stories of determination, setbacks, triumphs and the daily realities of living with the disease. More than once, emotions filled the room as patients reflected on their experiences and expressed gratitude for the support they have found through Hotel Dieu Shaver’s specialized rehabilitation program.

“Today’s visit was a powerful reminder of how community support can inspire hope and make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with Parkinson’s disease,” said Kristina Manzi, Executive Director of Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation. “It was incredibly moving to see our patients share their stories with Tim and experience the joy that music can bring. We are grateful to Tim Hicks and Light of Day Canada for shining a spotlight on our Parkinson’s Rehabilitation Program. Their support helps ensure Niagara residents have access to specialized care that is simply not available anywhere else in Ontario.”

 

The visit comes ahead of the Light of Day Canada concert on November 7, 2026, at the Meridian Centre, where Hicks will headline an evening dedicated to supporting Parkinson’s research and care. A portion of ticket proceeds will directly benefit Hotel Dieu Shaver’s Parkinson’s Rehabilitation Program.

 

“Having just taken a tour of Hotel Dieu Shaver, I’ve got to say, this place is unbelievable,” Tim Hicks shared. “We have a state-of-the-art facility right here in our backyard in Niagara. With a 98 to 99 per cent satisfaction rate, it really is unbelievable. Everybody that I talked to that comes here for treatment raves about everything and everybody. I’d say we’re lucky.”

 

Hotel Dieu Shaver is home to Ontario’s only dedicated Parkinson’s Rehab Program, providing specialized multidisciplinary care designed to help people improve mobility, maintain independence and enhance their quality of life. Since launching in 2013, the program has filled a critical gap in care through innovative therapies focused on neuroprotection and neuroplasticity.

 

“Our Parkinson’s Rehabilitation Program is 100 per cent donor-funded, and only exists because of the generosity of our community,” added Manzi. “Support from initiatives like Light of Day Canada helps us continue providing innovative, life-changing therapy to people and families affected by Parkinson’s disease.”

 

As the afternoon came to a close, Hicks stayed behind for a few final conversations, photos and handshakes. For many patients, the highlight wasn’t simply hearing one of Canada’s biggest country artists perform—it was the opportunity to share their stories with someone who genuinely wanted to listen.

 

That same spirit of connection and community will continue on November 7 when Light of Day Canada returns to the Meridian Centre, featuring Tim Hicks & Friends, Steven Page and an all-star lineup of Canadian performers. Proceeds from the event will help ensure people living with Parkinson’s disease continue to have access to specialized rehabilitation care available nowhere else in Ontario.