Officials expect almost 100 participants to gather for the Jayman BUILT MS Walk this Saturday, May 25, 2019.
Lions Park in Fort McMurray serves as one of 12 venues across the province where individuals and groups will show their support for those affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).
Rhonda Robinson, Programs Services & Development Coordinator for the MS Society in Fort McMurray, says the goal of the walk is to bring hope.
“With the acts of greatness of everyone participating in the Jayman BUILT MS Walk, we can enhance quality of life for people living with MS by supporting research initiatives, programs and services.”
MS is a chronic, debilitating disease that attacks the central nervous system.
Mostly diagnosed in adults between the ages of 15 and 40, it affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve.
Every day in this country, 11 Canadians are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
That’s one of the highest rates of MS in the world.
Robinson and the MS Society hopes the walk will raise awareness and much-needed money for research.
Also, funds will go towards programs and services such as caregiving and coordinated care efforts for those affected by MS.
Opening Ceremonies
The Opening Ceremonies for the Fort McMurray Jayman BUILT MS Walk begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 25.
Scheduled to speak are Fort McMurray-Cold Lake MP David Yurdiga and Deputy Mayor Phil Meagher.
Also sharing words of encouragement and her personal MS story is resident, Shauna MacKinnon.
Walking routes of two and four kilometres begin at 10:30 a.m.
Facts and figures
- The Jayman BUILT MS Walk draws more than 30,000 participants and volunteers from across Canada.
- Over 132 communities annually participate in the MS Walk.
