Dear Supporters,

I had a dream to cross the finish line at Ironman Lake Placid while raising money for the MS Society of Canada’s End MS Campaign.

My original fundraising goal was $5,000. However, due to the extra ordinary generosity of 178 donors, including you, the final tally is $10,795 (and counting). I am so thankful to you all.

Last Sunday at 7am, I felt the strength of all your good wishes and support as I heard the starting pistol and plunged into the water to begin the race. Thirteen hours and forty-six minutes later, I experienced both the relief and sheer exhilaration of achieving my long held dream – to cross the finish line.

Many thought that my dream was not possible and there were times when I wondered myself. However, the desire to fight this disabling disease and to possibly bring hope and encouragement to others quelled my misgivings.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for helping me make my dream a reality.

Best wishes,

Jenny

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed it is the only thing that ever has” – Margaret Mead. 

The Victoria MS WALK took place this past weekend and despite an obvious lull in the economy, it still managed to pull in $175,000 which is brilliant!  I continue to be amazed by the number of people whose lives are somehow connected to MS. Here is a note from one of the dedicated individuals who works at the South Vancouver Island Chapter of the MS Society of Canada. 

Wow what a wonderful weekend!!!  Thank you so much for your hard work and outstanding efforts.  775 participants, 67 outstanding teams, and 180 volunteers raised $175,000 towards research and client services.  On behalf of over 1200 clients and their families here on Southern Vancouver Island, thank you!  It is your participation in our events like the Scotiabank MS WALK that bring us hope.  It brings hope to people like Madison, who shared her story for living with MS.  Not sure if you got to hear her story at the closing ceremonies, so here is a part of it that I would like to share with you just in case you missed it:

“My mom was diagnosed with MS, on my 9th birthday. Only being nine I didn’t understand what MS was so I burst into tears thinking my mom was going to die. The hardest thing for me is not having her by my side at my soccer games as my coach and not seeing her do the thing she loves the most which is playing soccer! She still tries to come to my games and coach me from the sidelines. But it’s still not the same. I know how hard it is for her to even make it to my games, and then to see her so tired and weak. As you can tell, life is very different now.

The MS society has been an amazing help! I personally have been to counseling with Bonnie and there are many groups my mom goes to and meets a lot a people in the same situation she is in. I am so proud to think that a lot of our community is involved in such an amazing event like the MS WALK. I would like to say thank you for being involved with the walk as it brings hope for my family and I. You should be proud of yourself” – Madison McGarry, 11 yrs old.

For more information about the Scotiabank MS WALK and to get involved in a walk in your area, please visit:  www.mssociety.ca/en/events/scwalk/default.htm.