The Lloydminster MS Society says they are starting to see more people joining up now to be part of their MS Walk.
Canada, and Alberta specifically, have some of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis(MS) in the world.MS is a autoimmune disease and one in 340 Canadians has it. The MS Society Lloydminster Chapter says they see new people dealing with MS at least weekly.
Chapter Manager Patty Milnthorp says all proceeds the chapter raise work towards helping patients in the city and vital research, and they couldn’t do it without community support.
“We rely heavily on the dollars raised to fund Canadian MS research. Scientists continue the quest for a cure and improved treatments. We do have some of the highest rates of MS in the world but we also have some of the best researchers.”
May has been declared MS Awareness Month, and Milnthrop says they will be providing other events to raise awareness in the community of MS surrounding the walk.
“On April 2nd we have an education session at the hospital. Doctor Ken Makus is a neurologist out of Edmonton. He’s coming to talk about exploding research and therapies that are coming, and talk about the new ones that have just come out. He’s also holding a clinic at Family Medical on April 3rd.”
Milnthrop says they are also working on a “Bend and Brew” beer and yoga fundraiser, holding their flag raising ceremony for MS month at City Hall and will be hosting more events up until the Thursday before the walk.
People can register for Lloydminster MS walk, which is May 5th at LakeLand College, on their website.Â