Finally on Board

Okay, so I've finally figured out how to do this "blog" thing and actually add a picture. Who knew. It wasn't as complicated as I thought. I did have a little help though, hee hee.

It's the final stretch to the walk and by now everyone you talk to knows about the event. If they don't, sign them up and get them on board. Tell them about this new blog site and get them to make comments or even suggestions. That shouldn't be to hard to convince since most people are internet literate. Happy fundraising!

Taking a Step For a Cure

Well it's the end of March and it's snowing again in Beeton, ON. Hopefully this won't be happening on April 19th. If people you approach to walk with you are hesitant because of the cold, recruit them. Ask them to fundraise online and get others to walk for them or join "the team". You just don't know unless you actually ask. Stay positive/optomistic people respond more favorably to that energy.

Cheers
Good luck!

A Wall of Hope to End MS

There are many things that make an MS Walk memorable. One annual tradition I’d like to mention, in particular, touches me deeply, no matter how many times I experience it...

It’s the Wall of Hope.

As part of the registration package, each Walker is given a blank form and encouraged to write why they are walking in the MS Walk. Their responses are posted on the Wall of Hope. Every year, whether I’m walking or helping out behind the scenes, I spend time reading the confessions of hope and affection inscribed on those little slips of paper.

One year I was reading the Wall when I my gaze faltered over one of hundreds of declarations. “I’m walking for my Aunty Barb,” the note confessed. It was signed in a young girl’s hand, “Missy.”

My best friend, Lori and her family were walking that morning. Her children always referred to me as their Aunty Barb, although I hadn’t earned the title through blood.

I swallowed the lump growing in my throat. Lori's pre-teen daughter, Missy had tucked her hope for a cure for me in amongst the sea of others’ heartfelt wishes.

This Walk had, quite suddenly, become personal. Missy was walking for her Aunty Barb. Although still quite young, Missy understood the gravity and importance of her walk that Sunday morning.

To Missy, who is in the wild whirlwind that comes from preparing for her June wedding: I love you so much. I hope you know your walk for MS so many years ago has helped bring us to this point in MS history – where we are on the brink of a cure.

Missy, we WILL end MS.

Text For a Chance to Win an iPod touch!

Grab your cellphone to help end MS!

Text MSBLOG to 101010 for a chance to win an iPod touch.

If you haven’t yet registered for the MS Walk, now is the time!

Be a walker. Be an end to MS.

* Standard text message fees may apply. Full contest details at www.mswalks.ca.

Say hello to the 2009 MS Walk Team, Ontario Division!

Back row: Tetyana (Customer service), Sarah (Markham-Stouffville, Uxbridge, Kingston, Napanee), Janelle (Burlington, Milton, Oakville), Jessica (Niagara Falls, Welland, St. Catharines-Thorold), Melissa (Brampton, Bolton, Muskoka, Belleville), Alysia (TeamMS), Mark (Barrie, Collingwood, Midland, Sudbury)

Middle row: Brian (Toronto, Etobicoke), Nicole (Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax-Pickering), Joanna (Peterborough, Cobourg-Port Hope, Woodbridge), Pam (Mississauga-Lakeshore, Mississauga-Streetsville, Sault Ste. Marie), Caley (Newmarket), Ashleigh (Richmond Hill), Ellie (Sr. Manager)

Front row: Will (Bowmanville, Orangeville, Kawartha Lakes, North Bay), Laura (Manager), Kyle (Scarborough, Orillia, New Tecumseth, Brockville)

Join the movement. End MS. Register today at:
www.mswalks.ca