- Members of Chatham-Kent Multiple Sclerosis are calling on people to help support the annual MS Walk May 4. MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young adults in Canada. At least 200 people have been diagnosed with the illness in Chatham-Kent. Clockwise from top: Frank Van Oirschot, Sheila Clements, Barb Gagner and Dale Jarrell.
The biggest and most important fundraising event for the Chatham-Kent Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society is set for May 4 in Chatham.
The Mandarin MS Walk will get underway at 10 a.m. at John McGregor Secondary School.
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable neurological disease that affects vision, balance, memory and mobility.
The cause is unknown and a cure for the disease has not been found.
The MS society estimates that at least 100,000 people across Canada are affected with the illness, with three more Canadians diagnosed every day.
LEADWAVE Technologies from Chatham Voice on Vimeo.
In Chatham-Kent, at least 200 people have been diagnosed with the disease.
“It’s the most common cause of adult disability in Canada, with the exception of motor vehicle accidents,” said Jackie Putterman, fundraising and special events co-ordinator with MS Society of Canada.
Multiple sclerosis is also the most common neurological disease in people between the ages of 15 to 40.
It can have a devastating impact on those diagnosed and their families.
“If you’re diagnosed, you’re generally out of work within five years,” said Sheila Clements, chairwoman of the Chatham-Kent MS board. “The fatigue is bad and then you’re living on a disability pension, which is really hard.”
Last year, the walk in Chatham raised more than $50,000 for local MS clients.
The funds raised go towards helping people buy and maintain mobility equipment and counselling.
“We provide people with help,” said Frank Van Oirschot, vice-chairman of the local board. “If they need a hospital bed, a wheelchair, a walker, or with house cleaning and lawn care, we’ll help support that too.”
As of the April 23 board meeting, 105 people had registered for the walk, which is up slightly from last year.
The organizers are inviting more people to support the event.
There will be an early check-in on May 3, from 10 a.m. to noon at John McGregor Secondary School.
Otherwise, registration for the walk starts at 8:30 a.m. on May 4.
The five-kilometre walk will go along Mud Creek.
More information is available at mswalks.ca or by calling 1-888-510-7777.
