May 2005

Supporting Multiple Sclerosis

The last month saw many carnations for sale. May is Canada’s Multiple Sclerosis awareness month. The money raised helps people with Multiple Sclerosis and their families. If you live with or know someone who suffers from MS, you may have a good understanding of MS. Yet, what of people like myself? I must admit a limited knowledge of MS and how lives can be affected by it.

According to Don’t You Lose Your Balance, a publication directed toward teens with parents suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, “MS is a disease that affects the brain and the spinal cord (central nervous system).” The underlying cause of MS is yet unknown, however, “when a person has MS, the covering (myelin) that protects the nerve is damaged.” This causes scar tissue (sclerosis) on the myelin. The sclerosis then “can block or slow down the messages being sent along the nerves.” MS is not a mental illness, contagious, fatal nor is it directly inherited. It is generally diagnosed in adulthood between the ages of 20 and 40 years old, and the majority are females, by nearly twice. Life for someone with MS is day by day. One day the coffee cup can be carried over to the couch for a relaxing and needed rest, as MS can make one very tired, and the next day the coffee is on the floor from uncontrollable arm movements.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada has been, and continues to be, a registered non-profit organization in Canada for over 50 years with a local chapter, the Southeastern Alberta Chapter Medicine Hat, in existence for the last 30 years. “Our mission is to be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life.” The local chapter services to the Saskatchewan boarder, down to the Montana boarder, over to Bow Island and Bassano, Oyen and across. The funds raised through events, such as the carnation sales and the Annual Super Cities Walk, May 29th at Strathcona Park, provide very important contributions in further research and education. Cheryl Cowling, fundraising coordinator, for the local chapter says they have programs in Brooks, Foremost, Bow Island, and Medicine Hat. Programs include support groups for clients and caregivers, support groups for children, when required, swimming at the Leisure Centre, and discounted rates on massages at the college. Cowling also says they provide public education, advocacy for clients, social action on related issues and provide mini-presentations to the schools with a Read-A-Thon program to help educate children, bring awareness to their parents and fundraise.

For more information on events or how you can help, contact Cheryl Cowling at 403-529-6797.

Questions for me? Please e-mail BeKean@telusplanet.net