We Will Win the Fight Against MS

I find it hard to believe that we only have two more sleeps until we lace up our sneakers and walk to end MS. These weeks have passed at lightning speed; almost as fast as the twenty-five years since my first child was born.

I’m pumped. While I’ve spent many years behind the scenes at the annual MS walks – helping in registration, setting up, and meeting and cheering the hundreds of walkers – I haven’t walked ten kilometres in close to a decade. My MS has progressed, marching along with the passing years. My mind – the doubting Thomas part – wonders if I’ll make it. It wonders if the MS will win and stop me mid-stride.

Of course, the optimist in me knows otherwise. It knows I will succeed. I will overcome any obstacles MS may throw in my path along the route in Sunnybrook Park. Whether it’s fatigue, unsteadiness, vertigo, numbness, or an assortment of other gloomy MS symptoms, nothing can compete against the resolve of the human spirit.

And I’m resolved – to take that first step, and the second, and the fifty thousandth; as many as it takes. I will overcome. I will persevere. I will walk past that Finish sign with my heart held high.

And if I don’t? The doubting Thomas will try to hand me an ‘I told you so.’ But the optimist in me will win yet again. I will congratulate myself for trying...for walking as far as my body would allow me...for raising money to fund vital MS research...

...for research that will put an end to MS.

And when that wonderful day comes, we will walk and run again! Ten kilometres will be a walk in the park and a romp on the beach.

We will win the fight against MS.

It’s time to walk and roll!

Join the Movement this Sunday!

Did you know?

... This Sunday, 30,000 people will be walking to end MS in 50 communities across Ontario
... Walking or rolling, participants will travel an estimated 162,000 kilometres combined
... That's a total of 200 million footsteps, or the equivalent of four times around the world!

Thanks to everyone who will be a part of the MS Walk this weekend! Be sure to check back on Monday for results and to share stories from across the province.

Mandarin Restaurants has renewed and expanded its provincial partnership with the MS Society of Canada

Mandarin Restaurants, located throughout the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, has renewed and expanded its provincial partnership with the MS Society for 2009.

Mandarin will purchase 35,000 carnations through the MS Society’s MS Carnation Campaign, which will be handed out to customers on Mother’s Day. Mandarin has also lent its support to the 2009 MS Walk in Toronto, providing lunch/dinner gift certificates to all participants and sponsoring several lunch items at the event. Mandarin’s involvement will continue through the summer, when they will support the RONA MS Bike Tours as a key sponsor.

The MS Society thanks Mandarin for generously supporting the fight to end multiple sclerosis.

The Sun is Shinning!

Well the sun is shinning today and according to the weather man it will also be making an appearance this Sunday. Thank goodness. The sun seems to put everyone in a better frame of mind and mood. Who knows it may even make some a little more generous. Let's hope so.
We've got three more days before the "walk" and everyday the sun should be shinning.
I wish everyone smiles and good luck on Sunday at their walk. Cheers!

Life with MS made tougher by uncertain economic times

MS Walk will help support locals impacted by unpredictable, often disabling disease
April, 2009 – The uncertain state of the economy is impacting all Canadians, particularly those who live with a chronic illness. For people with multiple sclerosis, who may require expensive treatments or lifestyle support, the need is as urgent as ever. At the upcoming MS Walk, taking place on April 19, not only does every step matter but every dollar counts.

“In communities all across the country, people are feeling the impact of difficult economic times,” says Yves Savoie, President and Chief Executive Officer of the MS Society of Canada and President of the MS Society’s Ontario Division, who is raising pledges to participate in his local MS Walk. “For people living with a chronic illness and the many associated expenses, it can be even tougher.”

Funds raised through the MS Walk are critical to enhancing the quality of life for people who live with multiple sclerosis. The MS Walk helps to fund services for people with MS and their families, which can include providing information and referrals, supportive counseling, and mobility equipment. Proceeds of the MS Walk also help fund the MS Society’s national research program, which is bringing researchers ever closer to finding the cause and cure of multiple sclerosis.

“The MS Society remains strongly committed to providing services to people with MS and their families,” Savoie emphasizes. “Until we achieve our goal of ending MS, we will be here to support those who live with this unpredictable, often disabling disease.”

The MS Walk is a family-oriented event that combines fundraising with community spirit. Participants can choose from varying route lengths; a wheelchair-accessible option is also available. Almost 30,000 Ontarians will take part in MS Walks this year, raising $6.7 million in pledges. Registration for the MS Walk is available at www.mswalks.ca or by calling 1-888-822-8467.