Participants in the 2019 Saskatchewan Blue Cross MS Walk pose for a photo. (Brady Bateman/paNOW Staff)

By Brady Bateman

Raising Awareness

Saskatchewan Blue Cross MS Walk raises awareness of disease

May 26, 2019 | 3:00 PM

It was a day focused on raising awareness in Prince Albert on Sunday, as the annual Saskatchewan Blue Cross MS Walk took place.

Canadians have one of the highest rates of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the world, and the annual walk serves to raise money for those fighting the disease, according to Erin Kuan, president for the Manitoba and Saskatchewan divisions of the MS Society of Canada.

“This is our annual MS Walk, and it is probably our largest gathering of the MS community and those that support the MS community across Canada. P.A. is probably one of over 100 communities across Canada that support the MS Walk,” said Kuan.

“Often the walk is the entry point for someone when they are early on in their diagnosis. Often friends and family of someone who has been diagnosed get involved as a way to support the ones they love. It’s really a community of friends, family and peers and a support network.”

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Kaun added that money raised from the MS Walk goes to funding a number of programs and services for those diagnosed with MS, as well as an MS Knowledge Network. It is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, with information and help services.

“There are more ways for people to access great care, but also be a part of research in Saskatchewan so that is really exciting,” Kuan said.

“The MS Walk has been going on in Prince Albert for more than 20 years. Today we are anticipating about 60 people, and we have about 20 volunteers helping us throughout the day.”

Roughly 80 participants and 20 volunteers took part in the annual Saskatchewan Blue Cross MS Walk on May 26. (Brady Bateman/paNOW Staff)

Kaun noted that historically the walk has raised around $15,000 to $20,000 dollars, and she said before this year’s walk had even begun nearly $8,000 had been raised online.

“We’re here to be a resource for anyone who lives with a diagnosis,” Kuan added. “Please reach out to us at the MS Society.” The online contact is: mssociety.ca, or 1-800-268-7582.

Both participating and volunteering in the MS Walk was Michelle Thall, who has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis since 2006.

“We’re just raising funds and awareness for those diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, while we’re walking and talking and just having a good day,” Thall said.

“The walks are important because it raises the awareness. It’s important to get out there and raise people’s energy. It’s a disease that affects everyone differently, you could have five people in the room who all have MS, and they could all have different symptoms.”

Thall added that the contributions made from those participating in the event, and those who have donated funds are greatly appreciated, and that the support goes a long way to help those living with Multiple Sclerosis.

The walk was prefaced with a short gathering held at the Prince Albert Elk’s Lodge, with food and drinks being made available for those participating.

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brady.bateman@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TheDigitalBirdy