Activities, events planned for MS Awareness Month in Canada
Walks, fundraisers aim to educate public about disease
May marks Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in Canada, and people across the country can take part in advocacy and fundraising activities to support the multiple sclerosis (MS) community.
MS Canada‘s nationwide campaign urges people to participate in MS walks, parlay a hobby or passion into a fundraiser, share information about the disease, or listen to community stories. The goal is to raise awareness and funds for the more than 90,000 Canadians who live with the disease.
“Canada has one of the highest rates of MS worldwide, it’s Canada’s disease,” Pamela Valentine, PhD, president and CEO of MS Canada, said in an MS Canada press release. “MS Awareness Month highlights the reality of life for the over 90,000 Canadians who live with this disease, and the many more who are diagnosed every day in this country.”
While increased awareness and fundraising have led to “incredible progress” in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes, “there is so much more to be done,” Valentine said. “Throughout May, Canadians can join in to support fellow Canadians, friends, family and neighbours, who are affected by MS.”
MS is a progressive neurological disorder that’s caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy parts of the brain and spinal cord. This leads to MS symptoms that can include fatigue, pain, and difficulty walking.
Awareness key to early diagnosis
Early diagnosis is critical for patients to receive timely treatment and make recommended lifestyle adjustments, which can help slow the disease’s progression and delay disability. People’s unfamiliarity with the signs of MS is the most common barrier to prompt diagnosis, according to MS Canada. Awareness campaigns aim to change that.
“When I was diagnosed in 2015, I didn’t even know what MS was,” said MS Canada ambassador Richard Fabregui. “But the support system I’ve found in my friends, family and the MS community has made all the difference. My MS journey has also taught me the importance of advocacy—especially when it comes to early diagnosis.”
MS Canada offers downloadable educational materials, including graphics, fact sheets, and posters that people can share on social media. Events will also be held throughout May to engage the community and raise funds for support services and research.
On May 25, MS Walks will take place in cities across Canada and virtually. The goal is to raise CA$4 million (about $2.9 million) to support MS Canada programs such as the MS Knowledge Network and peer support services.
Participants in the May 50K challenge are encouraged to move 50 km throughout the month by walking, running, rolling, swimming, or playing sports, with the aim of raising a total of CA$425,000. Those interested can sign up online to track their activity and funds raised.
The We Challenge MS program offers a year-round opportunity for individuals to organize fundraising initiatives based around their interests and hobbies. These can include livestreaming, creating art, baking, cycling, running, hosting events, or sharing on social media.
The month’s activities will culminate on World MS Day, May 30, when MS Canada invites people to share messages of support and images of carnations — the national symbol of MS awareness — on their social media accounts.
“MS Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity for everyone to get involved,” Fabregui said. “It’s a recognition of the progress we’ve made and a reminder of the work that lies ahead.”
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