July 28, 2010 Michael AugustineLisez en Francais
Life is a learning curve, and there are some pretty sharp turns along the way to where you want to go.
I’ve not posted an update for some time. Primarily it’s because my MS is getting worse. As I have secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, that means that whatever I lose, I lose for good. Secondly, my personal life has suffered some serious setbacks and I now find myself at the beginning of a new phase in my life, and I’ve a long way to travel before I “learn” to navigate its “curves.”
The timing is ironic. As the 2010 RONA MS Bike Tour season continues, and with the 2011 MS WALK a few months from beginning its initial planning stages, I am reminded of the parallels between these events and the journey everyone must make while living with multiple sclerosis.
Like everything else, it is about planning for the future, while understanding that the road ahead is never fully predictable. It’s about taking things one step - one kilometer - at a time, and keeping your eye on your destination and not on the road beneath you. It is about sometimes getting tired, sometimes getting lost, and sometimes even falling, but never losing site of the fact that those times are only just a small part of the whole journey.
I had planned to climb to Mount Everest Base Camp this October to raise much needed funds to help those like me who live with this disease. I eventually came to realize that I needed to focus on making myself better before I could do the same for others. Therefore my trip has been postponed until next October.
Am I daunted? Oh, yes. Am I scared? Most certainly! But as I said, this is just another step on the path towards becoming the person I want to be - whom I’m truly meant to be... I just need to keep my focus and let my feet take care of themselves.
I still have many months to go before I can reach my goal, and many steps to make before I’ll get there. But if I take it a step at a time, there’s no telling how far I’ll go, or what I will accomplish when I reach my destination. Even by myself I can still achieve truly amazing things, but together, you and I can accomplish miracles.
Together - we can finally end MS!
Technorati tags: endMS, multiple sclerosis, learning curve
May 26, 2010 Rob PetrolliniLisez en Francais
The MS Society of Canada is a Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) member and is pleased to support and promote World MS Day. The objectives of World MS Day are to raise awareness; and to unite, broaden and mobilize the global MS movement. Take action today by trying out the following:
Take action on Twitter by tweeting with the hashtag #worldmsday and work to make this issue a trending topic on Twitter. Each time you see a tweet with #worldmsday, simply retweet it.
Connect with others on the World MS Day Facebook Page by sharing your story about how you recognize World MS Day. Upload and share photos of yourself and others from around the world taking part in Awareness Day activities.
Visit the World MS Day website and click YES on MS is a global issue. Can we count on your support?
Take the survey on employment and MS. Make your voice heard.
Watch and share the MS Awareness Month video.
Donate now and help in the movement to end MS.
How else can you recognize World MS Day? Share your ideas with us.
Technorati tags: endMS, multiple sclerosis, World MS Day
May 06, 2010 Michael AugustineLisez en Francais
That’s how the saying goes, but May also brings with it two things equally beautiful: the promise of a cure for MS and Mom!
Mothers Day weekend (May 6 to 8) will again mark the annual MS Carnation Campaign, where all across Canada people can purchase bouquets of beautiful long-stemmed carnations with the proceeds of which help the MS society of Canada fulfill its mission to be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis, and enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life.
Because of your generous support, millions have thus far been raised - money which assists Canadians from all walks of life better face the reality of dealing with this disease. Thanks to you, one flower at a time, we’ve helped hope ‘blossom,’ made futures ‘bloom,’ and ‘stemmed’ despair from creeping into people’s lives.
Visit the MS Society of Canada’s website, or call your local chapter or unit to inquire where you can make a purchase near you.
This May, give flowers to someone you love (pssst... your mom... hint hint) and take satisfaction in knowing that you helped us get that much closer to being able to end MS as well as showing your Mother how much you truly care.
Now eat your vegetables, and go clean your room!
Irreverently Yours,
Aug. who truly loves his mom, but who absolutely refuses to eat his spinach!
Technorati tags: endMS, multiple sclerosis, Mother’s Day