The MS Walk is a community-driven fundraising event aimed at supporting Canadians affected by MS. Every year, individuals gather from all corners of Canada to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis and gather funds for MS Canada.
At the core of the walk are the people living with MS across the country. The funds raised ensure that they receive the necessary access to quality support in their communities. The walk contributes to programs and services available nationwide, ensuring equal access for all. Examples include virtual wellness, One to One Peer Support, and the MS Knowledge Network.
2024 Peterborough-Northumberland MS Walk Volunteer Coordinator Janet Warren told us for her it’s personal.
Treatment options continue to advance, and people with MS are living longer than ever before. In 2024, medical professionals continue to advance therapeutic options for patients with MS, and new treatments to aid remyelination (the process of restoring the myelin sheath on nerve fibres that are damaged by MS) are nearing clinical trials.
Warren told us treatment has changed over the years, thanks to advances made in part by proceeds from the walk.
According to Janet they’re looking for walkers as well as sponsors for their mile markers and they have a special opportunity for local businesses.
Warren said that they’ll be walking from the Bandshell in Memorial Park to Optimist Park and then return so anyone wanting to setup a booth could do so at either location.
Warren told us MS itself rarely causes death on it’s own, but it does increase the risk of death from other causes.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
