Moving Forward Together Towards a World Free of MS

TORONTO, May 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society of Canada will host its annual MS Walk from coast to coast this May during MS Awareness Month. On Sunday, May 29, thousands of participants will come together across the country to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS) and move forward together – their way – towards a world free of MS. To date, MS Walk 2022 participants have raised over $1.6 million in support of the more than 90,000 Canadians who live with MS.

The health and safety of the MS community remains a top priority. In adherence to public health guidelines, there will be over 40 in-person MS Walk sites across the country on May 29, as well as virtual options. Participants who are unable to attend an in-person event are encouraged to take part in the MS Walk in their own communities, however they choose to do so, throughout the month of May. A live-stream rally will also take place on May 29 at 12:00 pm ET to celebrate MS Walk with supporters across the country and recognize MS Awareness Month.

One of the objectives of the MS Walk is to raise awareness for MS and raise funds for ground-breaking MS research, including research surrounding the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). A recent, and potentially game-changing, discovery from Harvard University shows that EBV plays a role in triggering the onset of MS. Understanding this link through further research could lead to the development of a vaccine to prevent MS. Participating in and raising funds through MS Walk will help accelerate research and move us closer towards a world free of MS.

“Whether you are attending your community location or walking in your own backyard, your support ensures that no one living with MS is alone in their journey,” says Pamela Valentine, President & CEO, MS Society of Canada. “Funds raised from the MS Walk allow the MS Society to continue to invest in fundamental research and take meaningful action for the one in 400 Canadians who live with MS and their support systems. Together, regardless of how or where you participate, we are moving closer towards a world free of MS.”

“It's important that this fundraising continues because it motivates us people living with MS. We know that the donations will help give us a better quality of life and may lead to a cure. Seeing the participants come together during the MS Walk encourages us to continue despite everything. Although it’s not always easy living with MS, we know that we are supported by the MS community,” says Stefanny Gaudet, 24, who has been living with MS for nine years.

MS Walk: Numerous Local Events Across Canada

The MS Society is proud to recognize the generosity and commitment of two MS Walk title sponsors in Western Canada – Jayman BUILT in Alberta and Saskatchewan Blue Cross in Saskatchewan. Participating in and fundraising through MS Walk (Jayman BUILT MS Walk in Alberta and Saskatchewan Blue Cross MS Walk in Saskatchewan) allows the MS Society to continue funding MS research and providing services dedicated to achieving a world free of MS and improving the quality of life for those impacted by MS.

For more information about the MS Walk and to find an option available in your preferred location, please visit mswalks.ca.

MS Walk Locations

British Columbia

In-person sites

Vancouver
Victoria
Fraser Valley
Prince George