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Blog – MS Society of Canada
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  • Twitter
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Blog – MS Society of Canada

  • Categories
    • Advocacy
    • Community
    • Education
    • Giving
    • Living Well
    • Research
  • Dr. Karen Lee (Research)
    • Research (2017 and older)
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Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the world, with an estimated 77,000 Canadians living with the disease. While it is most often diagnosed in young adults aged 20 to 49, younger children and older adults are also diagnosed with the disease. Learn more…

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  • An act of greatness is caregiving for a loved one. Volunteering to support a cause. Battling through fatigue just to get through the day. If you were to share your act of greatness, what would it be? For Sari, who was diagnosed with MS last year, her act of greatness is riding a bike again. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ “An act of greatness for someone living with MS is adapting to a new normal and being okay with it. It can mean doing an everyday task, having enough energy to get through the day, engaging in low-intensity physical activity, or just trying to feel okay with where you are and what you're able to do. I rode my bike for the first time since my diagnosis, and even though I've had to make some adjustments, it feels great to be riding again." - Sari, diagnosed in 2018. Now it’s your turn. We want to hear from you - our MS community. Comment below with your #ActsofGreatness from 2019.
  • As we set sail on the new chapter in our journey, our mission is to connect and empower the MS community to create positive change. Change that brings us closer to a world free of MS. With the launch of the MS Society’s new strategic plan, our impact goals focus on advancing treatment and care, enhancing the well-being of those living with MS, halting disease progression, and preventing MS. Help us spread our mission by sharing this post. Read our strategic plan here: mssociety.ca/about-us/strategic-plan
  • “It was 1952 when I fell in love with Shirley. I took her to her first formal event and we spent the entire evening dancing the night away. Thirteen years later, she became my wife. After our first child was born, Shirley began experiencing mobility and bladder issues. I recall taking her to the doctor, but they couldn’t provide a proper diagnosis due to the lack of existing equipment. We left feeling disheartened, powerless, and completely in the dark. Two and a half decades went by, and Shirley’s symptoms progressed. By this point, she could no longer stand or walk. Her MS had snuck up like a thief in the night, and suddenly, I couldn’t take her dancing anymore. I felt helpless. Frantically trying to support her, I became involved with the MS Society’s initiatives including flag raising for MS Awareness Month, supplying prizes for MS fundraisers, and acquiring pledges for donations. But in 2013, tragedy struck, turning my world upside down. My dear Shirley passed away, and it felt like someone tore my heart in two. Time passed, but my mourning felt eternal. Through my heartbreak, I continued to stay involved with the MS Society. In memory of my wife, I wanted to continue to do everything I could to help others living with the disease and ensure no one had to go through what she did. To this day, I still support the cause and participate in their fundraising events. I may have lost my inspiration, but I kept my determination. Every spring, I give each Cape Breton University nursing graduate a gold MS pin. I explain the history of the pin and the importance of MS awareness, and ask them to wear it in memory of my wife, who was also a nurse. The nurses relocate across the world for work, spreading awareness of the disease universally. To me, it would mean the world to hear that MS is no more. I hope that I live long enough to see that as it is my ultimate goal.” - Carl, MS Society volunteer ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Carl took his loss and turned it into hope. This #GivingTuesday, join Carl and help those living with MS by giving back. Perform an act of greatness by donating today at www.actsogreatness.ca. Together, through actions big and small, we can change the future.
  • “I can stand for 15 minutes before I need to sit down. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I can walk one block before I need to rest. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ My MS becomes debilitating about once a week.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ For Christine Rutherford, who was diagnosed with MS in 1999, her physical ailments have shown no mercy. But for the sincere and candid woman living with the chronic disease, managing her mental health has been the most strenuous part of her journey. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ "I was lost. Trapped inside my own body. Unable to express how I was feeling. Suddenly, I always had to have someone with me. I remember sitting in a dark room with no TV or music on, my 58-year old mother holding my hand. I couldn’t even speak. Doctors kept giving me different medication, anti-depressants, anxiety medication – I felt so helpless that I kept taking what they gave me. I just wanted to get out of it." ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Since then, Christine has realized that taking care of her mental health is a full-time job. She’s now restructured her life in ways that keep her mentally and physically healthy. She’s also paying it forward by leading two support groups and helping others deal with their healing and mental health. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Sometimes, it's those who have been through the most adversity that come out stronger on the other end. For #GivingTuesday, perform an act of greatness by donating to support those living with or affected by MS like Christine. Together, through actions big and small, we can change the future: www.actsofgreatness.ca. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ To learn more about Christine’s story, visit: https://blog.mssociety.ca/2019/12/my-ms-journey-beyond-the-lesson-plan/
  • When you’re diagnosed with MS in 1988, you don’t have many options. That was the case with Bob, who learned he had progressive MS 31 years ago. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ "The experience was rather worrisome,” explains Bob. “We didn’t have access to a computer or Google. The only information I had on MS was my wife’s old nursing book which had a paragraph or two in it about the disease.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ With no information available to him, Bob’s symptoms gradually went downhill, and his mobility declined. “After I got my scooter and wheelchair, I suddenly realized that I couldn’t go anywhere. Everyone I knew had a house that I couldn’t get into. I couldn’t visit people like I used to. I couldn’t even go to my son’s house for dinner. The lack of accessibility changed my life and shifted my relationships.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Despite all the adversity, Bob kept going. After his diagnosis, he continued to work as a mechanic until the work became too difficult. He then went back to school to learn computer programming, which he did for 10 years before he went on long-term disability. It was then that he decided to start volunteering with the MS Society, devoting decades to sitting on committees, attending support groups, and joining the Alberta Division council. “A lot of people look at MS and see all the things they lost, but I look at it in all the ways that I have changed. I’ve learned so much since I was diagnosed, so it hasn’t all been negative.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Like Bob, Canadians everywhere are performing Acts of Greatness in the fight against MS. Help fund acts of greatness for those living with or affected by this debilitating disease. Together, through actions big and small, we can change the future. Join the movement at actsofgreatness.ca. Learn more about Bob’s story at https://bit.ly/34ApdXT
  • Jonathan still recalls the cold, January day when he received a phone call from his neurologist, confirming he had MS. With symptoms dating back to 2011, he had long suspected something was wrong. For two years, his symptoms included countless migraines, dizzy spells, disorientation, and trouble with balance, putting him through a rollercoaster of emotions. The unpredictable nature of the disease terrified him. Through all of this, Jonathan’s son, Leo, has been his biggest motivator. Jonathan wants to do everything he can to watch his son grow up and ensure he sets a positive example for him. He teaches Leo, through his actions and goals, that life is not about what you take, but the difference you make by giving back. This idea fuels Jonathan’s volunteerism and inspires his involvement with the MS Society. Since his diagnosis, he has become a long-time volunteer, MS Society advocate, and a top fundraiser for MS Bike, raising over $65,000 since 2014. Today, he also continues to give back through his workplace’s employee giving campaign. The CIBC’s employee giving campaign encourages employees to convert their volunteer hours to CIBC Reward Dollars, which can then be used to donate to charitable organizations. Jonathan is grateful for the program’s boost to his personal MS fundraising campaign, so he can help make a difference in the lives of others affected by the disease. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ “A world free of MS would mean that my level of anxiety would subside. Anxiety comes with the lack of clarity around the prognosis of the disease. Those living with and affected by MS would be able to have peace of mind. I want to give my all in my volunteer work and hope to inspire others to donate and get involved with the MS Society, so we’re able to reach that goal.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Like Jonathan, Canadians are finding ways to give to causes they care about. Read more about Jonathan’s story: https://blog.mssociety.ca/2019/11/jonathans-ms-a-voyage-to-volunteerism/ and discover ways to give through your company: https://mssociety.ca/employee-giving.
  • Are you at a place in your MS journey where you feel you can effectively support others living with MS? The MS Society’s 1:1 Peer Support Program is looking for volunteers to help guide others living with and affected by MS. Sometimes, even when you’re surrounded by people who love you and have known you for a long time, it can be hard to find someone who really understands what you’re going through. Oftentimes, you may not realize it, but you have the power to help someone in a tough spot. The program matches a peer – someone seeking the support of another individual with MS who has been in their shoes – with a volunteer, someone who can provide a non-judgmental, understanding, and empathetic listening ear. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ “As humans, we are better together rather than separate, and we can always learn things from one another. I learn about things from my peers all the time!” - Mari-Lynn, 1:1 Peer Support Program volunteer If you are interested in volunteering for the 1:1 Peer Support Program, contact peersupportprogram@mssociety.ca or 1-800-268-7582 x3149. You can also learn more about the program in our newest blog post “A match made in heaven – the story of our 1:1 peer support program”: https://bit.ly/2QcYT1S
  • “What activities do you offer for those living with MS who have limited mobility?” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ “What are the treatment options for someone with PPMS?” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ “As someone newly diagnosed with MS, how can I get involved with the MS Society?” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ These are just some of the many questions our MS Navigators are equipped to answer to help those living with and affected by MS. If you or a loved one are looking for additional information and support, our Navigators are available from Monday to Friday from 8am - 8pm ET to help you get the information and support you need. Our navigators listen carefully, identify needs and resources, and discuss information in terms that are clear and relevant for the person they are helping. They are knowledgeable about research and treatment options for people with MS and can discuss these and other important topics. We’re always here to help. If you have any questions, you can reach our navigators at 1-844-859-6789 or msnavigators@mssociety.ca
  • “Wow, I really regret running that marathon for charity” – No one ever. For the first time ever, the MS Society of Canada participated in the Scotiabank Canada Running Series Charity Challenge and it was a huge success! With seven events across the country, 59 participants raised $23,019.45 to help those living with and affected by MS live a better life. A tremendous thank you to all those who joined us. It’s never too early to start planning for next year. Join the movement and do your part to support Canadians living with MS. Learn more by emailing ichallengems@mssociety.ca 🏃
  • “They didn’t understand the episodic nature of MS and I was forced to leave the organization. I felt disenchanted and struggled with making ends meet while I was unemployed. Some of the greatest obstacles, when dealing with MS, have to do with the invisibility of the disease. It’s often hard for folks to believe I live with MS as I don’t fit the classic idea of the disease. When it comes to living with MS, my future financial stability worries me most. I worry that I will not be able to support myself as I age with this disease.” – Julia, diagnosed with MS in 2004 Read Julia’s full story here: https://bit.ly/2mZBRzn Help Julia make real change this federal election by sending a message to your candidates to help #MakeMSMatter at https://bit.ly/2nbmjIz
  • “Being diagnosed with MS made it difficult for me to pursue a job I was more than qualified for at the time. I chose to disclose my MS diagnosis and suffered stigma and rejection because of it. In my current job, I pay the highest premiums for health coverage to ensure any potential medications are covered. However, my benefits still do not cover the extent of physiotherapy, massage and exercise I require to keep my symptoms manageable. It’s important we #MakeMSMatter this federal election. There are countless people living with MS that need varying levels of support. There is no one size fits all for an episodic disability, and this needs to be taken into account as the federal government makes decisions for our future. Decisions being made by the federal government have the potential to drastically influence the way people live with MS.” - Patrycia, lives with MS Help Patrycia, and all Canadians living with MS, inform our federal government about the realities of living with MS. This federal election #MakeMSMatter by sending a message to your candidates using our easy online platform at www.MakeMSMatter.ca
  • “Employment security is very important to me. I just started my career and a family, and I need to be able to take care of my mental and physical health without worry. Since MS has such varying symptoms, my biggest fear would be missing a few days of work and being penalized for it. It’s extremely important for people affected by MS to have the proper support and programs available to remain in the workforce. Accelerating research is also huge for me. When I was first diagnosed, there were only three treatments to choose from – THREE! Within 12 years of being diagnosed, there are now multiple treatments for people living with MS and that speaks volumes. The research in Canada is top notch and continuing to invest in research is key.” – Lizelle, lives with MS Act now to make change for those affected by MS this federal election, by sending a message to your candidates using our easy online platform. Visit www.MakeMSMatter.ca to #MakeMSMatter this election!

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Faces Behind the Science: Prenitha Mercy Ignatius Arokia Doss

by Palvasha Shoaib
March 13, 2019
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  • An act of greatness is caregiving for a loved one. Volunteering to support a cause. Battling through fatigue just to get through the day. If you were to share your act of greatness, what would it be? For Sari, who was diagnosed with MS last year, her act of greatness is riding a bike again. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ “An act of greatness for someone living with MS is adapting to a new normal and being okay with it. It can mean doing an everyday task, having enough energy to get through the day, engaging in low-intensity physical activity, or just trying to feel okay with where you are and what you're able to do. I rode my bike for the first time since my diagnosis, and even though I've had to make some adjustments, it feels great to be riding again." - Sari, diagnosed in 2018. Now it’s your turn. We want to hear from you - our MS community. Comment below with your #ActsofGreatness from 2019.
  • As we set sail on the new chapter in our journey, our mission is to connect and empower the MS community to create positive change. Change that brings us closer to a world free of MS. With the launch of the MS Society’s new strategic plan, our impact goals focus on advancing treatment and care, enhancing the well-being of those living with MS, halting disease progression, and preventing MS. Help us spread our mission by sharing this post. Read our strategic plan here: mssociety.ca/about-us/strategic-plan
  • “It was 1952 when I fell in love with Shirley. I took her to her first formal event and we spent the entire evening dancing the night away. Thirteen years later, she became my wife. After our first child was born, Shirley began experiencing mobility and bladder issues. I recall taking her to the doctor, but they couldn’t provide a proper diagnosis due to the lack of existing equipment. We left feeling disheartened, powerless, and completely in the dark. Two and a half decades went by, and Shirley’s symptoms progressed. By this point, she could no longer stand or walk. Her MS had snuck up like a thief in the night, and suddenly, I couldn’t take her dancing anymore. I felt helpless. Frantically trying to support her, I became involved with the MS Society’s initiatives including flag raising for MS Awareness Month, supplying prizes for MS fundraisers, and acquiring pledges for donations. But in 2013, tragedy struck, turning my world upside down. My dear Shirley passed away, and it felt like someone tore my heart in two. Time passed, but my mourning felt eternal. Through my heartbreak, I continued to stay involved with the MS Society. In memory of my wife, I wanted to continue to do everything I could to help others living with the disease and ensure no one had to go through what she did. To this day, I still support the cause and participate in their fundraising events. I may have lost my inspiration, but I kept my determination. Every spring, I give each Cape Breton University nursing graduate a gold MS pin. I explain the history of the pin and the importance of MS awareness, and ask them to wear it in memory of my wife, who was also a nurse. The nurses relocate across the world for work, spreading awareness of the disease universally. To me, it would mean the world to hear that MS is no more. I hope that I live long enough to see that as it is my ultimate goal.” - Carl, MS Society volunteer ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Carl took his loss and turned it into hope. This #GivingTuesday, join Carl and help those living with MS by giving back. Perform an act of greatness by donating today at www.actsogreatness.ca. Together, through actions big and small, we can change the future.
  • “I can stand for 15 minutes before I need to sit down. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I can walk one block before I need to rest. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ My MS becomes debilitating about once a week.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ For Christine Rutherford, who was diagnosed with MS in 1999, her physical ailments have shown no mercy. But for the sincere and candid woman living with the chronic disease, managing her mental health has been the most strenuous part of her journey. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ "I was lost. Trapped inside my own body. Unable to express how I was feeling. Suddenly, I always had to have someone with me. I remember sitting in a dark room with no TV or music on, my 58-year old mother holding my hand. I couldn’t even speak. Doctors kept giving me different medication, anti-depressants, anxiety medication – I felt so helpless that I kept taking what they gave me. I just wanted to get out of it." ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Since then, Christine has realized that taking care of her mental health is a full-time job. She’s now restructured her life in ways that keep her mentally and physically healthy. She’s also paying it forward by leading two support groups and helping others deal with their healing and mental health. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Sometimes, it's those who have been through the most adversity that come out stronger on the other end. For #GivingTuesday, perform an act of greatness by donating to support those living with or affected by MS like Christine. Together, through actions big and small, we can change the future: www.actsofgreatness.ca. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ To learn more about Christine’s story, visit: https://blog.mssociety.ca/2019/12/my-ms-journey-beyond-the-lesson-plan/
  • When you’re diagnosed with MS in 1988, you don’t have many options. That was the case with Bob, who learned he had progressive MS 31 years ago. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ "The experience was rather worrisome,” explains Bob. “We didn’t have access to a computer or Google. The only information I had on MS was my wife’s old nursing book which had a paragraph or two in it about the disease.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ With no information available to him, Bob’s symptoms gradually went downhill, and his mobility declined. “After I got my scooter and wheelchair, I suddenly realized that I couldn’t go anywhere. Everyone I knew had a house that I couldn’t get into. I couldn’t visit people like I used to. I couldn’t even go to my son’s house for dinner. The lack of accessibility changed my life and shifted my relationships.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Despite all the adversity, Bob kept going. After his diagnosis, he continued to work as a mechanic until the work became too difficult. He then went back to school to learn computer programming, which he did for 10 years before he went on long-term disability. It was then that he decided to start volunteering with the MS Society, devoting decades to sitting on committees, attending support groups, and joining the Alberta Division council. “A lot of people look at MS and see all the things they lost, but I look at it in all the ways that I have changed. I’ve learned so much since I was diagnosed, so it hasn’t all been negative.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Like Bob, Canadians everywhere are performing Acts of Greatness in the fight against MS. Help fund acts of greatness for those living with or affected by this debilitating disease. Together, through actions big and small, we can change the future. Join the movement at actsofgreatness.ca. Learn more about Bob’s story at https://bit.ly/34ApdXT
  • Jonathan still recalls the cold, January day when he received a phone call from his neurologist, confirming he had MS. With symptoms dating back to 2011, he had long suspected something was wrong. For two years, his symptoms included countless migraines, dizzy spells, disorientation, and trouble with balance, putting him through a rollercoaster of emotions. The unpredictable nature of the disease terrified him. Through all of this, Jonathan’s son, Leo, has been his biggest motivator. Jonathan wants to do everything he can to watch his son grow up and ensure he sets a positive example for him. He teaches Leo, through his actions and goals, that life is not about what you take, but the difference you make by giving back. This idea fuels Jonathan’s volunteerism and inspires his involvement with the MS Society. Since his diagnosis, he has become a long-time volunteer, MS Society advocate, and a top fundraiser for MS Bike, raising over $65,000 since 2014. Today, he also continues to give back through his workplace’s employee giving campaign. The CIBC’s employee giving campaign encourages employees to convert their volunteer hours to CIBC Reward Dollars, which can then be used to donate to charitable organizations. Jonathan is grateful for the program’s boost to his personal MS fundraising campaign, so he can help make a difference in the lives of others affected by the disease. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ “A world free of MS would mean that my level of anxiety would subside. Anxiety comes with the lack of clarity around the prognosis of the disease. Those living with and affected by MS would be able to have peace of mind. I want to give my all in my volunteer work and hope to inspire others to donate and get involved with the MS Society, so we’re able to reach that goal.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Like Jonathan, Canadians are finding ways to give to causes they care about. Read more about Jonathan’s story: https://blog.mssociety.ca/2019/11/jonathans-ms-a-voyage-to-volunteerism/ and discover ways to give through your company: https://mssociety.ca/employee-giving.
  • Are you at a place in your MS journey where you feel you can effectively support others living with MS? The MS Society’s 1:1 Peer Support Program is looking for volunteers to help guide others living with and affected by MS. Sometimes, even when you’re surrounded by people who love you and have known you for a long time, it can be hard to find someone who really understands what you’re going through. Oftentimes, you may not realize it, but you have the power to help someone in a tough spot. The program matches a peer – someone seeking the support of another individual with MS who has been in their shoes – with a volunteer, someone who can provide a non-judgmental, understanding, and empathetic listening ear. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ “As humans, we are better together rather than separate, and we can always learn things from one another. I learn about things from my peers all the time!” - Mari-Lynn, 1:1 Peer Support Program volunteer If you are interested in volunteering for the 1:1 Peer Support Program, contact peersupportprogram@mssociety.ca or 1-800-268-7582 x3149. You can also learn more about the program in our newest blog post “A match made in heaven – the story of our 1:1 peer support program”: https://bit.ly/2QcYT1S
  • “What activities do you offer for those living with MS who have limited mobility?” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ “What are the treatment options for someone with PPMS?” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ “As someone newly diagnosed with MS, how can I get involved with the MS Society?” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ These are just some of the many questions our MS Navigators are equipped to answer to help those living with and affected by MS. If you or a loved one are looking for additional information and support, our Navigators are available from Monday to Friday from 8am - 8pm ET to help you get the information and support you need. Our navigators listen carefully, identify needs and resources, and discuss information in terms that are clear and relevant for the person they are helping. They are knowledgeable about research and treatment options for people with MS and can discuss these and other important topics. We’re always here to help. If you have any questions, you can reach our navigators at 1-844-859-6789 or msnavigators@mssociety.ca
  • “Wow, I really regret running that marathon for charity” – No one ever. For the first time ever, the MS Society of Canada participated in the Scotiabank Canada Running Series Charity Challenge and it was a huge success! With seven events across the country, 59 participants raised $23,019.45 to help those living with and affected by MS live a better life. A tremendous thank you to all those who joined us. It’s never too early to start planning for next year. Join the movement and do your part to support Canadians living with MS. Learn more by emailing ichallengems@mssociety.ca 🏃
  • “They didn’t understand the episodic nature of MS and I was forced to leave the organization. I felt disenchanted and struggled with making ends meet while I was unemployed. Some of the greatest obstacles, when dealing with MS, have to do with the invisibility of the disease. It’s often hard for folks to believe I live with MS as I don’t fit the classic idea of the disease. When it comes to living with MS, my future financial stability worries me most. I worry that I will not be able to support myself as I age with this disease.” – Julia, diagnosed with MS in 2004 Read Julia’s full story here: https://bit.ly/2mZBRzn Help Julia make real change this federal election by sending a message to your candidates to help #MakeMSMatter at https://bit.ly/2nbmjIz
  • “Being diagnosed with MS made it difficult for me to pursue a job I was more than qualified for at the time. I chose to disclose my MS diagnosis and suffered stigma and rejection because of it. In my current job, I pay the highest premiums for health coverage to ensure any potential medications are covered. However, my benefits still do not cover the extent of physiotherapy, massage and exercise I require to keep my symptoms manageable. It’s important we #MakeMSMatter this federal election. There are countless people living with MS that need varying levels of support. There is no one size fits all for an episodic disability, and this needs to be taken into account as the federal government makes decisions for our future. Decisions being made by the federal government have the potential to drastically influence the way people live with MS.” - Patrycia, lives with MS Help Patrycia, and all Canadians living with MS, inform our federal government about the realities of living with MS. This federal election #MakeMSMatter by sending a message to your candidates using our easy online platform at www.MakeMSMatter.ca
  • “Employment security is very important to me. I just started my career and a family, and I need to be able to take care of my mental and physical health without worry. Since MS has such varying symptoms, my biggest fear would be missing a few days of work and being penalized for it. It’s extremely important for people affected by MS to have the proper support and programs available to remain in the workforce. Accelerating research is also huge for me. When I was first diagnosed, there were only three treatments to choose from – THREE! Within 12 years of being diagnosed, there are now multiple treatments for people living with MS and that speaks volumes. The research in Canada is top notch and continuing to invest in research is key.” – Lizelle, lives with MS Act now to make change for those affected by MS this federal election, by sending a message to your candidates using our easy online platform. Visit www.MakeMSMatter.ca to #MakeMSMatter this election!

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