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Walking for the MS cure in the Battlefords

May 25, 2016 | 5:00 PM

Walkers are taking to the Battlefords in order to raise money and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and those dealing with the disease.

MS Society of Canada’s manager of development for Southern Saskatchewan Sierra Thompson said one in two people know someone with MS and it affects everyone.

“MS is Canada’s disease. There are over 100,000 individuals who are affected by MS in Canada and Saskatchewan is one of the provinces that have one of the highest prevalence (of MS). There are over 3,500 individuals in Saskatchewan who are affected,” Thompson explained.

The Battlefords’ edition of the Saskatchewan Blue Cross MS Walk will happen on Sunday, May 29 at the NationsWEST Field House. Participants check in at 12 p.m. and the walk begins at 1 p.m. on the location’s track.

The goal of the MS Walk and MS Society is to help those with the potentially disabling disease of the central nervous system.

“Definitely to find a cure is the main focus. They’re doing some great studies right now on genetics and vitamin D,” Thompson said. “We’ve actually also joined a Progressive MS alliance with a variety of other different countries to try to compile our research and help see if together as a whole we can find a cure.”

There is also more research going in to help find more disease-modifying therapies. There are currently 11 therapies which help those with relapsing-remitting MS, but none to help progressive MS.

Thompson said the walk is a way to help out and support those in the Battlefords and area who have to face MS on a daily basis.

“It’s such a community event as well and is such an event to join together with the MS community and be able to support your friend, your mom, your dad, your neighbour and just really join together with the MS community,” Thompson added.

Interested walkers can register as an individual or a team online. Once registered, walkers will have access to pledge sheets and the opportunity for online fundraising.

All of the funds raised goes towards Canadian-led MS research as well as programs and support groups in the province.

 

mkelly@jpbg.ca