The 21st annual MS Walk is coming to Lloydminster on Saturday, May 4, to help raise awareness for the disease. Registration for the walk is now open and gives an opportunity for the community to support those affected by the disease.
Last year’s walk raised nearly $130,000, and the Lloydminster chapter of the MS Society is aiming to break that goal. The walk features a 1, 5 and 10 km distance around Bud Miller Park participants to be sponsored for. Tammy Klotz of the MS Society of Canada says that, while the cause of MS is unknown, there’s much cause for hope, and that’s a big part of why they do the walk.
“That’s really what we do the walk for, is to celebrate people living with the disease, but also an awareness for people to recognize how prevalent it is. There are so many people living with the disease, and I don’t think people realize how prevalent it is,” says Klotz.
Multiple sclerosis is a very complex and unpredictable disease, that can affect each person differently. There is currently no known cure for the disease, but the fundraising helps fuel Canadian research into its cause and cure. Funds also go towards improving the quality of life for MS patients.
Klotz says that Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with 77,000 Canadians living with the disease. About 11 Canadians are diagnosed with it every day. Klotz says that online there are currently 135 registered and she’s hoping to see that number grow.
Registration can be done online or by calling the local chapter of the MS Society at (780) 871-0513. Registration can also be done last minute at the Lakeland College gymnasium that morning. Check-in is at 8:30 a.m. and the walk starts between 9:40 and 10 a.m. Klotz is hoping to see the community out at the walk and looks forward to their 21st annual fundraiser.
“It’s going to be a very exciting time, and something a lot of community members look forward to celebrating every year.”