On Sunday, May 26 in the Battlefords, families, friends and neighbors will come together for the Saskatchewan Blue Cross MS Walk to demonstrate their solidarity in helping to change the lives of Canadians affected by MS. Taking place in the Battlefords and eight additional locations across the province with over 1,500 total participants, the Saskatchewan Blue Cross MS Walk offers individuals and teams the chance to celebrate hope and join the fight against MS, while raising crucial funds for the cause.
The Battlefords walk takes place at Lawrence Elementary School. Register at noon for the 1 p.m. walk.
“Getting involved in the MS community has allowed me to feel normal and understood. Events like MS Walk make us feel like we aren’t alone,” says Joni Straker, the 2019 Saskatchewan Blue Cross MS Walk Ambassador, who was diagnosed with MS in 2017. This will be her second MS Walk. “I was hesitant to sign up for the MS Walk last year since I was newly diagnosed, but I’m so glad I did. Watching my boys and my husband put on their signs of who they walk for: ‘Mom’ and ‘Wife’ brought tears to my eyes. I didn’t feel strong enough to wear my own MS sign last year, but this year I do.”
Straker says the decision to be the 2019 Saskatchewan Blue Cross MS Walk Ambassador was an easy one, “As a person with MS, I want to be involved with an amazing organization that shares the same goals I do: live a better life, help others, share knowledge and see advancements in the medical community. It’s only a matter of time before another breakthrough occurs, and I want to be part of that.”
The MS Society is dedicated to funding research and services that empower Canadians affected by multiple sclerosis. Money raised through the MS Walk will help fund things such as:
• MS research -Research into causes and risk factors, stem cells, Vitamin D, diet, exercise, treatments for progressive forms of MS, translational research and scholarships.
• Programs and services - A variety of programs and services that help people affected by MS effectively manage and cope with the disease, such as support groups and fitness programs.
• Advocacy work - Lobbying for more flexible income and employment supports for Canadians affected by MS, caregiver supports, coordinated care, and an increased investment in MS research from our governments.
All MS Walk events have routes of varying lengths, including wheelchair-accessible routes. Participants will also have the opportunity to join in on start/finish line activities as well as hear inspiring speeches from people living with MS.
For a complete list of events and to register, the public may visit mswalks.ca or call 1-800-268-7582. To learn more about MS and the activities of the MS Society of Canada, the public may visit mssociety.ca.
