Area walkers can help make strides in MS researchCATHERINE WHITNALL
Daily Post Reporter
LINDSAY - Finding a cure for multiple sclerosis can be as easy as lacing up a pair of sneakers.
That's because the Super Cities WALK for MS - scheduled to take place in Lindsay on April 23 - is the largest national fundraising program for the MS Society of Canada.
Taking place in 160 Communities across the country this year, the Super Cities WALK is a one-day event that offers routes of varying lengths, at least one of which is wheelchair accessible. Participants, according to organizers, enjoy the great outdoors, food and entertainment while helping the MS Society connect with a cure and help the 50,000 Canadians who have this disease of the nervous system.
Money raised through the walk helps drive new research initiatives.
Last year, the MS Society and the related MS Scientific Research Foundation announced a $2.25-million research study that will examine the body's own stem cells to see if they can repair damage caused by MS. Local fundraising efforts may hold the key to a major breakthrough in research.
"We had a great turnout last year," said Jodi Spivak, coordinator of fundraising events.
The local group had set a goal of $30,000 and organizers were thrilled when 409 participants brought in $44743 in pledges. This year, Spivak said the goal is $40,000 and it's hoped 450 walkers - either as individuals or part of a team - will come out.
"Although we've set a goal which is technically less than what was raised last year, it's our overall hope to exceed last year's total," said Spivak.
She would also like to see more teams take part this year, with local businesses and groups already putting out the challenge. Teams are comprised of four or more walkers - making it easy for groups of any size to take part - with the enthusiasm factor rising with each additional walker.
"The teams just seem to have so much fun," said Spivak, noting it's not uncommon for teams to make up T-shirts or signs for the event. "And the more the merrier."
It's all key, said Spivak, in helping both raise awareness and find a cure for MS.
"Years ago, the term multiple sclerosis would come up and many didn't know just how far reaching the impacts of this disease spread," she said, noting today the MS Society of Canada is a leader in finding a cure for the disease and enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life.
The walk also welcomes back honourary chairperson, Amy Terrill.
"She's been a great help to us in the past and very involved with many aspects of the walk," said Spivak. "She is such a wonderful advocate in the community. We're proud to have her involved again this year."
The walk kicks off at Lindsay Collegiate and Vocational Institute with walk day check-in from 8:30 to 9:30 am. The walk begins shortly afterwards.
Since it's founding in 1948, the MS Society's core support has come from tens of thousands of dedicated individuals, companies and foundations in communities across Canada. The society receives almost no funding from government.
The MS Society of Canada has a membership of 28,000. It is the only national voluntary organization in the country that supports both MS research and services for people with MS and their families with 82 per cent of net revenue devoted to program areas, including research, services for people with MS and their families, clinics, social action, public education and chapter development.
The Super Cities Walk for MS is one of the organization's key fundraisers; participants can earn special incentive prizes based on the amount of pledges collected.
To register for the walk visit www.supercitieswalk.com or call 1-800-268-7582.
