For the Purdy family, finding a cure for MS hits close to home.
In 2008, James Purdy was diagnosed with MS, and although he describes his symptoms as mild, he knows full well there are others who are facing significantly worse.
In order to learn more about the disease, Purdy joined the MS Society, and created the MS Ain’t Purdy team.
Every year since his diagnosis, the team takes part in the Lakeland Jayman Built MS Walk.
“It’s one of those days that just gives you goose bumps because you know you’re making a difference in someone’s life,” said Brenda Rosychuk, manager of the Lakeland Regional Office for the MS Society of Canada.
On May 12, she will walk to end MS, along with the Bonnyville-based team MS Ain’t Purdy.
This is the group’s 10th year taking part and for the Purdy’s, it’s more than just a fundraiser. It’s about raising awareness and finding a cure.
When he was first diagnosed, Purdy was unsure as to the impacts of MS, but as he began to work hand-in-hand with the MS Society, he learned more about the disease and the varying impacts it can have.
“I’ve been very fortunate with pretty minor MS symptoms. I have been involved with the MS Society since my diagnosis. I have met many people who all have different journeys with their MS. There have been some who are healthier than me, and there are others who are fighting it with significantly more disability,” he expressed. “There’s a lot of unknown. MS affects everyone differently.”
This year, team MS Ain’t Purdy, captained by Purdy’s son Griffin, will have anywhere from 20 to 40 participants who travel from across the province to take part in the walk.
“It’s a big get together for our team, but we have done very well. We have been one of the top fundraising teams in Canada over the last few years,” said Purdy.
So far, the team has raised over $422,000 to help end MS.
According to Rosychuk, that money is used to help fund local programming such as the self-help group in Cold Lake, adaptive yoga in Bonnyville, as well as research and education nationally.
“The MS Walk is our largest fundraiser for the Lakeland chapter. It fuels all of our programming and services for anyone in the Lakeland. Our Lakeland area covers 65 towns, so we have a very vast area to cover,” she added.
They’re hoping to have 400 walkers take part this year, with a fundraising goal of $132,000.
The walk starts at the St. Paul Recreational Centre at 10 a.m., and everyone is invited to sign up either before the event or the day of.
“It’s a great day… There’s going to be entertainment, live music, a silent auction, free breakfast and lunch. It’s really a great atmosphere,” emphasized Rosychuk.
Having his friends, family, and community stand behind him has proven the importance of support during difficult times.
“For someone newly diagnosed with MS, it’s very important to know there are others going through the same as you and that there is a strong support network through the MS Society,” Purdy said. “It’s nice to have people in your corner when you’re going out for a fight.”
Griffin, 10, is bound and determined they will find a cure for MS, and individually has raised over $60,000 over the last five years.
“It helps me get involved in fundraising that will help find a cure for MS,” Griffin stated in a release.
Purdy said, “It’s empowering because everybody is there for the same reason, they’re there to fight MS.”
