On May 23, Tim Hague Sr., winner of the inaugural Amazing Race Canada, will be in Thunder Bay to share his personal story, and an encouraging message.

In 2011, at the age of 46, Hague Sr. was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Despite that diagnosis, just a few years later he and his son were celebrating their big win on the first season of the physically demanding reality TV program.

Since then Hague Sr. has used the profile he gained through the race, and his story of success, to become a vocal advocate for people with Parkinson's.

"It's a message of hope and hopefully motivation and inspiration for people living with chronic disease," he said. "To say, 'you know what... you can do more than you think you can,'" he said.

Hague Sr. said he knew there would be challenges when he signed up for the cross-country race, because of the toll the neurodegenerative disease takes on his body.

The greatest physical challenge came in Iqaluit,Nunavut, after a long day of demanding outdoor tasks that culminated in an upwards climb.

"I doubt that I would have made it up without my kid," said Hague Sr. "He literally pulled his old man up a hill that day."

Hague Sr. said he's grateful for the support Canadians have shown him, and for the platform the race has given him to promote the causes he cares about.

At his presentation in Thunder Bay, he will also discuss his work with Compassion Canada, an international development charity.

Tim Hague Sr. is speaking on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. at the Hope Church on Crawford Avenue.