TheĀ MS Society of Canada Lloydminster Chapter says they’re off to a strong start for their MS Walk.
The society has begun registration for their 20th annual MS walk on May 5th at Lakeland College, which raises money to help MS patients in Lloydminster, and provide funds towards research. MS is a autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system and according to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Alberta has one of the highest rates of MS in the world.
Participants can go in on one, five or ten kilometer walks. Walkers also raise pledges from the community or work in teams to create fundraising events.
The society is trying to raise $120,000 dollars after raising $118,000 last year.Ā Chapter Manager Patty MilnthorpĀ says they have seen interest so far, and they hope to keep the momentum going.
“It’s early still but our numbers are up from last year as far as walk participants go. We’re still a long way from getting 400 people, that’s my goal this year.”
The money from the walk will go 40 per cent into community MS programs and 60 per cent towards MS research. Milnthorp says promising results are coming in MS research.
“Hoffman-La Roache Limited in Canada announced Health Canada’s approval for Ocrelizumab. It’s the first disease modifying therapy approved by management of adult patients with primary progressive MS. Before their was no disease modifying therapies for MS, so this is very exciting news.”
People interested in joining the walk are asked to call to register or visit the MS society’s website.