On Sunday, April 27, residents of Langley brought attention to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) by participating in the 2014 Scotiabank MS Walk. In B.C., more than 6,000 people united in an effort to raise over $1.3 million in pledges and bring awareness to the fact that 100,000 Canadians live with MS.
This year, approximately 160 Langley participants and their teams raised more than $25,000 in donations for critical MS research and support programs. Guests were invited to share their uplifting thoughts about MS on the “Wall of Hope,” a new event feature which delivered inspiring messages to those impacted by the disease.
Speaking at the event was MS Ambassador Chris Hunger, a Langley resident and captain of Team Hunger, who shared his empowering experience about his diagnosis.
Following his address, walkers enjoyed live entertainment from She Says Electric and participated in an interactive warm-up led by Body Buster Fitness. City of Langley acting mayor Ted Schaffer also spoke to the MS community in Langley and officially kicked off the event.
Beginning and ending in Douglas Park, walkers chose to walk, run, or wheel a 1.5 km, 3 km, or 6 km route. At the finish line, participants were invited to take part in a photo booth, 50/50 prize draw, and a kids tent colouring contest.
Unique among spring fundraisers, MS Walks throughout Canada allow individuals impacted by MS the opportunity to participate by including wheelchair accessible routes. Funds raised from the MS Walk will go towards vital MS research projects and support programs for those impacted by the disease. To donate, visit mswalks.ca.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common neurological disease of young adults in Canada. It impacts 100,000 individuals nationally.
Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40, and the unpredictable effects of MS last for the rest of their lives. The MS Society provides services to people with MS and their families and funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease. People interested can visit mssociety.ca or call 1-800-268-7582 to make a donation or for more information.