February 25, 2009 Michael AugustineLisez en Francais
It’s that time of year again...
Time to dust off those running shoes, slip on the ol’ track pants, layer yourself up, and GO! That’s right! It’s time for the 2009 MS Walk! Despite its new name and newer look, the MS Walk remains one of the biggest and brightest fundraising initiatives benefiting the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada... and we want YOU to be a part of it!
Each Spring, tens of thousands of Canadians - people just like you and me - come out to walk or wheel those 5-10 kilometers, all to raise much needed funds to help the MS Society realize its mission: to be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis, and to enable people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life. It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman, young or old, directly affected by MS or simply wanting to have fun while doing something important. When you come to join us this April 19th, you’re guaranteed to meet some truly inspiring people, each with an amazing story of hope to share, and all of them coming together with a single, common purpose - to finally end MS!
This year there will be over 160 events happening across our great country, and every one of them is guaranteed to alter the course of people’s lives - just as it once did for mine. When I attended my first MS Walk almost 15 years ago, I was still a scared young man, barely managing to deal with the reality of living with MS... but that day changed me forever! I continue to be as deeply in awe today as I was then, every time I see that spirit of determination - of hope - shown by each one of the incredible people who come out to be victors over multiple sclerosis, not simply victims of it. They showed me then that I was in control of my own destiny; that I really could change my world for the better. Today, I am doing the same for others!
Recent medical discoveries have brought us closer than ever to being able to end MS, and Canadians will be an integral component in our being able to solve this challenge. Canada raises more research dollars per citizen than any other country in the world. To date, the MS Walk has raised approximately $155,000,000 nationally towards our goal... but more is still needed.
The Chinese philosopher Confucius once said “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” This year, I’m asking you to take a step in the right direction!
This year, walk by yourself or, better yet, create a team with your friends and loved one. It’s a proven fact that TeamMS members raise more money than individual walkers alone. Become a Team Captain and lead by example, or challenge your teammates to greater heights of fundraising! Talk to everyone you know: friends, co-workers, neighbours - even your dentist or local grocer. Ask them to pledge you in your quest to end MS. Let them know how they can help the 55, 000 to 75, 000 Canadians affected by multiple sclerosis. Tell them how incredible it would be when we inevitably find the cure, for them to be able to say: “that’s because of me!”
Be proud, lead the way... and step up! Many people feel that when the cure for multiple sclerosis is ultimately found, it will be found here in Canada.
I personally believe this with all my heart!
Irreverently Yours,
Aug, who’s another step closer...
Technorati tags: endMS, MS Walk, fundraising, multiple sclerosis