People from around the Lakeland joined together this past weekend at the Recreation Centre in St. Paul to show their support for those who have Multiple Sclerosis, an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system.
“This area is amazing,” said client services coordinator Brenda Hamm, adding that many people in the Lakeland know someone who is affected by MS. “It’s one of those events where people get together and they help each other when their family or friend is in need. I think this is a good example of that.”
Around 400 participants took part in the MS Lakeland Walk, which surpassed the target number of 360 participants, according to Hamm.
Last year, the Lakeland MS Society raised around $180,000 through the walk, and Hamm is hoping for a similar total this year once all the money is tallied at the beginning of November. Money for prizing is being accepted until the end of June while regular donations can be made until the end of October.
Hamm said 50 per cent of the money raised goes back to the Lakeland MS Society for client services, programming, special assistance funding, support groups and volunteer work. The other 50 per cent goes directly to research.
Around $10 million is invested in Alberta for research for scientists to find a cure, she added.
For Mike VanderHock, a third-year volunteer with the Lakeland MS Society, the walk is about a personal connection with someone who has MS, as well as being a part of the community.
“It keeps evolving every year and getting bigger and bigger,” VanderHock said about the walk in St. Paul. “I’ve very happy to be part of that. Getting involved in this is a great way to support your friends and family that have MS.
“Last year was our biggest year,” he continued. “When we got our final tally, I was actually the one who announced it and everyone’s heart stopped. The growth in this community for this MS walk is unreal.”
The Lakeland division is now one of the premier societies when it comes to hosting successful MS Walks. Other divisions have looked at the Lakeland for inspiration; such as implanting the half marathon that was started in St. Paul last year.
VanderHock said that although half of the money raised from the walk goes directly to research, it’s crucial for the other potion to stay within the community.
“The research is going to help us find a cure, but for me it’s making sure that people who have it now are comfortable with their lives and can keep going,” he said. “I’m in it for the long haul … I’m already planning ahead for the fourth and fifth walk. This is going to be a fixture in the Lakeland.”
