Life is a Learning Curve

We checked in with Mike Augustine, long-time ambassador for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and a friendly face at many MS Society events.

As the RONA MS Bike Tour 2010 gets underway, and the 2011 MS WALK a few weeks from beginning its initial planning stages, I am reminded of the parallels between these events, and the journey everyone must make while living with multiple sclerosis.

Like everything else, it is about planning for the future, while understanding that the road ahead is never predictable. It is about sometimes getting tired, sometimes getting lost, and sometimes even falling, but never losing sight of the fact that those times are only just a small part of the whole journey.

I’ve not posted an update for some time, primarily because my MS is getting worse. As I have secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, that means that whatever I lose, I lose for good. I now find myself at the beginning of a new phase in my life.

I had planned to climb to Mt. Everest Base Camp this October to raise much needed funds to help those like me who live with this disease. I eventually came to realize that I needed to focus on making myself better before I could do the same for others. Therefore, my trip has been postponed until next October. Am I daunted? Oh, yes. But as I said, this is just another step on the path towards becoming the person I want to be - whom I’m truly meant to be... I just need to keep my focus and let my feet take care of themselves.

If I take it one step at a time, there’s no telling how far I’ll go, or what I will accomplish when I reach my destination. Even by myself, I can still achieve truly amazing things, but together, you and I can accomplish miracles.

Together - we can finally end MS!

-- Mike Augustine

Breakthrough year for the Sudbury MS Walk

Summer came early this year in Sudbury, Ontario, just in time for the 2010 Sudbury MS Walk on May 30th. Over 300 participants braved the warm weather to show their support for the MS Society of Canada, raising over $48,000 to date! 2010 was a breakthrough year for the Sudbury MS Walk, surpassing 2009’s fundraising total of $37,000 and exceeding everyone’s expectations. This achievement is the result of each participant’s hard work and dedication.

Special thanks to the teams who participated this year. It takes extra enthusiasm, devotion and perseverance from the Team Captain to organize and inspire a team of fundraisers.
We can’t mention all of the great teams who participated this year, but wanted to send out congratulations to the Sudbury TeamMS award winners:

• Most spirited team: Walking Tall
• Best team name: Team Little Gooch and Mom
• Largest team: Bullitt Proof
• Best dressed team: Waaaait for It…

We also wanted to extend a big thank you to team Kugami Crusades, the 2009 top fundraisers, for their contributions over the years.

Remember, it only takes you and 3 other participants to create a team for 2011.

Congratulations to the Sudbury community for the most successful Sudbury MS Walk yet. We’ll see you all at next year’s MS Walk on May 29th, 2011!

New faces and new routes at the 2010 Milton-Halton Hills MS Walk

This year, the 2010 Milton-Halton Hills MS Walk celebrated a few changes and additions!

Over 330 participants gathered outside the Milton Leisure Centre on April 18th. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, walkers set off on the new 5km and 10km routes accompanied by several distinguished guests. Participants were joined by the Minister of Labour and Halton MP Lisa Raitt, Milton’s Mayor Gordon Krantz and Honourary Chair Mike Shepherd. Even the local firefighters came out to celebrate the special day!

The 2010 Milton-Halton Hills MS Walk raised over $108,000! Congratulations and thank you to all participants and supporters.

View photos from the event on our Flickr page.

Making their Mark on Multiple Sclerosis at the 2010 Scarborough MS Walk

It was a sunny day in Scarborough, Ontario as almost 400 people came out to the 2010 Scarborough MS Walk in support of MS research and client services. In its 15th year, the Scarborough MS Walk has a loyal following of local residents.

New to the Scarborough MS Walk this year was James Hill, who also joined the MS Walk Organizing Committee, fundraised, recruited fellow participants, and volunteered at the MS Walk. You may have seen him at the Scarborough Chapter booth, answering questions, handing out information, and offering a kind word to all who passed by. Jim and the Scarborough Chapter would like to thank everyone for all of their fundraising efforts and for their help and support at this year’s MS Walk. Look to their newsletter, the ‘Scarborough Scrawl’ for information on upcoming fundraising events

The 2010 Scarborough MS Walk was a great success, featuring appearances by MP John MacKay, MPP Bas Balkissoon and CTV’s Bill Hutchinson. Participants raised over $71,520 in support of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, making the 2010 Scarborough MS Walk one of the most successful in its 15 year history!

Come Out and Cheer!

We’re gearing up for the RONA MS Bike Tours. This summer, thousands of cyclists will ride across regions of Ontario, raising funds for multiple sclerosis research and support. The first Bike Tour, Grand Bend to London, is just around the corner!

Not planning to ride in the Tours but would still like to show your support? Join us at a Bike Tour near you and cheer on our cyclists! Every ride is easier with a little encouragement. Join others along the route or at the start or finish line.

Visit the RONA MS Bike Tours volunteer page to see how you can get involved.

MS Walk Early-Bird Prize Winner Gets Ready for Florida

Nancy Moran is enjoying the benefits of getting things done a little bit early. In January, Nancy was the lucky winner of a trip for two to a destination of her choice in North America by registering for an MS Walk before January 31st.

Hailing from Belleville, Ontario, Nancy’s family has felt a deep commitment to the MS Society of Canada for many years. Inspired by her father, who lived with MS until his passing in 2009, she has walked in the Belleville MS Walk since it was first held in her hometown in 1998. She has been joined by her mother, who is also a long-time supporter of the MS Society of Canada and a volunteer at the Hastings Chapter. For the past seven years, Nancy has walked with her son, who has been an MS Walk participant since before he was born! In addition to the MS Walk, Nancy has also supported the MS Society of Canada as a Carnation Campaign volunteer and hosting bake sales.

Nancy will be heading to Florida at the end of July, and will of course be joined by her mother and son!

Congratulations to Nancy and all 2010 MS Walkers for their hard work and continued support.