MS Canada urges action during MS Awareness Month in May
Events include MS Walk, the May 50K, and Digital Carnation Pinning
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A megaphone represents MS Canada’s call for Canadians to raise awareness and support people affected by multiple sclerosis throughout May. (Photo from iStock)
- May is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in Canada, which has one of the highest rates of MS in the world.
- Early and accurate MS diagnosis can help preserve brain health, minimize disease activity, and delay disability progression.
- MS Canada is organizing events such as The May 50K and MS Walk to raise awareness and funds.
May is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in Canada, and MS Canada is preparing a range of initiatives that let Canadians show support and raise awareness for people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
The awareness month represents an opportunity to increase understanding of the neurological disease, highlight the realities of living with MS, and encourage public participation in fundraising and awareness events.
This year’s activities align with World MS Day, observed May 30, and its campaign, “My MS Diagnosis.” The campaign emphasizes the importance of early and accurate diagnosis, which can help people receive treatments and other interventions sooner, helping to slow disease progression and improve long-term health outcomes.
Early diagnosis is focus of this year’s campaign
“Remarkable progress in MS research has deepened our understanding of MS and has improved disease treatments and care, but there is more work to be done,” Pamela Valentine, PhD, president and CEO of MS Canada, said in a press release from the organization. “An early and accurate MS diagnosis provides a critical window of opportunity to preserve brain health, minimize disease activity, and delay or halt disability progression.”
On average, someone in Canada is diagnosed with MS every two hours. The country has one of the world’s highest rates of MS, making awareness especially important, according to MS Canada.
The nonprofit, which has been working toward a world free of MS for more than 75 years, is offering several ways for Canadians to take part in MS Awareness Month.
Throughout May, supporters can share accurate information about MS using resources from the organization’s MS Awareness Month toolkit, including posters, fact sheets, and social media graphics.
Also running from May 1-31 is the May 50K, a virtual fitness challenge. Participants may run, walk, pedal, or swim 50 kilometers over the course of the month to raise funds and awareness.
Events offer ways to show support throughout May
On May 6, Canadians are invited to participate in a Digital Carnation Pinning Campaign by posting a digital carnation on social media with the hashtag #TakeActionForMS. The carnation campaign, a 50-year tradition, has evolved into a national symbol of hope and support for Canada’s MS community.
The annual MS Walk will take place Sunday, May 31, with events in communities across Canada and a virtual participation option. Funds raised will support MS research and programs for people affected by the disease.
In addition to nationwide events, the month will also feature World MS Day on May 30, a global event to show solidarity for the nearly 3 million people living with MS. The day will offer another opportunity for patients, families, caregivers, and supporters to share stories and raise awareness about the impact MS can have on a person’s life.
Throughout the year, supporters can also organize their own fundraising efforts through We Challenge MS, a platform that allows people to turn hobbies, events, or personal challenges into awareness and fundraising campaigns.
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