Fighting against MS

Photo: Pixabay

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system and although some peoples symptoms are worse than other many continue to suffer with it.

The Vernon MS Society is having their annual walk in Polson Park this April to support locals who are living with the disease.

"MS hits everybody differently some people that have MS you wouldn't even know it to look at them," said Dawn Dianna Landry, MS walk organizer. "One of my good friends is in a care home right now because he is completely bedridden."
 
"He basically only has use of the one arm, no use of his legs or of his other arm and he really can't do a lot, it affects your memory, it affects your eyesight, it affects everything."

The annual walk will be in support of the Vernon MS Society who support people living with the disease in any way they can.

"We provide emergency rides to the doctor's office and the hospital," Landry said. "Sometimes we pay for prescriptions for people who aren't getting covered by disability because disability doesn't cover all medications."

One memory of support is a moment Landry won't soon forget.

"This one lady called us who had just been diagnosed with MS, she was near tears because she wasn't able to find help anywhere and someone finally gave her our number," she said.

"We were able to provide her with a walker that day and within the next week or two, we were able to set her up with a wheelchair."

It is not too late to get some pledges for the event, every little bit helps.

The event is open to everyone in the public even if you don't want to participate in the walking portion.

There will be a great food, entertainment and a silent auction featuring gift baskets and gift cards worth up to $200.  

Registration on Sunday, April 29 will open at 10 a.m. and the walk will get underway at noon.