THUNDER BAY - For Marc Larocque, seeing another strong turnout for the Annual Thunder Bay Mandarin Multiple Sclerosis Walk is always gratifying, because it helps so many people, including himself.
“It’s heartwarming to see because it affects me personally because I have it,” he said. “It’s nice to see there are so many people out there who want to fight this disease and help find a cure and bring their positive energies and desire to help to this event. It’s really great to see.”
More than 100 people participated in the annual MS walk on Sunday. Larocque, who was diagnosed with MS in 2005, is also the fundraising coordinator and he said in the last three years the walk has raised more than $45,000.
“It’s a good chunk of change and I’m really hoping we will get over our goal from last year,” he said. “This year’s goal is $9,000 and I’m pretty sure we are there.”
“The money stays locally, but some of it has to go toward research because if there is not money invested in research, then there is going to be no cure,” Larocque continued. “It allows us to provide programs and services and wellness days if people need assistance walking, or aid, or a wheelchair, just to help them with their family lives.”
Carol Voth and Margaret Jurcic have been volunteering with the Lake Superior District Chapter of the MS Society of Canada for 10 and 15 years respectively, and they said the money raised really makes a difference in the lives of people living with MS.
“It’s important to raise funds for research and to ensure we have funds available as well to help clients with wheelchairs and things like that,” Voth said. “We have clients who need help with beds or wheelchairs or air conditioners.”
Multiple scerlosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. The insulating covers of nerve and brain cells become damaged, which results in disruptions in how the nervous system communicates and can lead to symptoms such as extreme fatigue, weakness, tingling, impaired sensation, vision problems, and cognitive impairment.
Canada has one of the highest rates of people diagnosed with MS but in the last 30 years there have been many new developments to medications and treatments that have improved the lives of people living with MS.
And while the walk raises money that helps people both locally and across the world through research, it’s also about raising awareness about the disease.
“This walk is really important because it is an entry point for people with MS,” Jurcic said. “It’s a good way to learn about what the MS Society does and also to give back. Lots of families join, lots of friends come. That’s why it’s important.”
“It’s a great way to get the community together to raise funds for a much needed cause and really get the MS awareness out there,” Larocque added. “It’s special because a lot of the people here are affected by MS in some way, whether it’s themselves or a loved one.”
