A Calgary woman who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at a young age is sharing her knowledge with others and is our Inspiring Albertan this week.

Laurine Fillo is the picture of health as she works out with her trainer but when she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 38 she was devastated.

“When they told me I had Parkinson’s, I think the look on my face must have been like, you know the rug was pulled out from under you, had no idea, side-swiped by it, so I think it's almost terror at the start because you don't know what it means,” said Fillo.

She was diagnosed at a young age and leads a healthy lifestyle so she had time on her side.

Fillo also decided to learn all about Parkinson’s and share what she learned with others who have the disease.

She stages regular symposiums in the atrium at the University of Calgary’s Heritage Medical Research building and has also come up with a fund raising idea called Pedal for Parkinson's.

Her sister in law, Diane McArthur, works with Fillo on all of her ventures and says it's hard to say no.

“I don't even really have a choice because she's so passionate about everything that she does. I will always just say to her, I’m in, absolutely let's do it,” said McArthur.

Journalist Norma Ramage is involved in Fillo's symposiums and says her efforts are inspiring.

“She's dedicated to the idea of Parkinson’s people helping Parkinson’s people, Parkinson’s people working together to make things better for them and just watching her energy, her enthusiasm, her vision, that's inspiring,” said Ramage.

Fillo has no intention of slowing down and plans to continue putting on the symposiums and doing more to fund Parkinson's research and education.

“I can say that we're planning to do some more fundraising. What it might look like, it may be a stationary bike race like the past ones, it may be something else, Maybe a gala, a dinner, another type of activity,” she said.

For all she does to help herself and others battling Parkinson's disease, Laurine Fillo is our Inspiring Albertan this week.

(With files from Darrel Janz)