THUNDER BAY - Twelve years ago, Marc Larocque was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and it is that life-changing diagnosis that drives him to keep moving forward, one step at a time, to help changes the lives of others.
“I have had my relapses,” Larocque said. “I’ve had my fair share of physical limitations, whether it’s numbness in my legs, tingling in my legs, in my feet, optic neuritis, vision problems, and mood swings, and over all pain.”
In the last 12 years, Larocque has participated in the Mandarin MS Walk, and this year he raised more than $9,500 and was named the MS Society’s top fundraiser for 2016.
“Twelve years ago I was diagnosed with having MS and it’s been kind of my driving force to raise money for the MS Society,” he said.
On Sunday, Larocque was one of dozens who participated in this year’s Mandarin MS Walk. The fundraising goal this year was $40,000 and Margaret Jurcic, chair of the Lake Superior District chapter of the MS Society of Canada, expects to easily reach that mark.
“We’re getting there,” she said. “I’m really excited. We have a super walker, Marc Larocque, who is very close to reaching the $10,000 mark himself. That will be the first time we’ve ever had that.”
Jurcic said a portion of the money raised remains in Thunder Bay to help those living with MS, while some funds also goes towards vital research.
Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system and affects the brain’s ability to send signals to the rest of the body. Canada has the highest rate of MS in the world.
“There are a lot of people in Thunder Bay who are affected,” Larocque said. “It’s sad actually the rate that people are being diagnosed at.”
But given the number of walkers and supporters at this year’s walk, both Jurcic and Larocque feel empowered that a cure will be found.
“I’m really excited about this year’s walk because there are so many new faces and just more energy,” Jurcic said. “I think because people are not afraid now to come out and say that they have MS. More people are experiencing that.”
“I think it’s absolutely great,” Larocque said of the turnout on Sunday. “It’s very empowering to see that this many people care and are all here for the same reason.”
And whether that reason is walking in support of someone with MS or wanting to help raise money to fight a terrible disease, the walk is, as it is every year, about coming together and working together.
“This is a disease that is unfortunately named Canada’s disease because we do have the highest rate in the world,” Jurcic said. “There are people all around you who probably have MS who may not have said anything. They are there, and walking and helping, and joining together will help to cure this disease.”
