Why We Walk"
"I am very proud to support my co-worker and have walked every year with her since the first time we participated...only three months after she had been paralyzed for over a week. That first year was the most rewarding 1km I have ever walked to support a friend. I also walk to support my grandmother whose spirit was amazing but she never had the advantage of today's current medicines and technologies. I wish she had."
Michell
The MS Society is excited about the 2011 Scotiabank MS Walk.
Ongoing news regarding CCSVI has kept multiple sclerosis in the media and is generating much interest and discussion about MS research. Chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency is a term used to describe a situation in which the venous system is not able to efficiently remove blood from the central nervous system. It is stated that this is related to narrowing of small venous structures in the neck, chest and spine.
Regardless of the outcome of studies and possible treatments surrounding this new theory, many MS walkers feel the renewed enthusiasm for MS research is a positive step toward finding a cure.
As one walker stated, "It is more important than ever to stay informed and connected. Money raised at the Scotiabank MS Walk is part of this, so I encourage you to get out and join us at this year's MS Walk."
The MS Society is supporting research into CCSVI with seven related studies currently underway funded by the MS Society of Canada and the National MS Society. The Society has committed $1 million to a pan-Canadian therapeutic trial on CCSVI once such a trial is approved by the federal government, so that an immediate infusion of funding will be available once it is approved. The MS Society is calling on all governments across Canada to also earmark funds for a pan-Canadian therapeutic trial and continues to press the federal government to commit $10 million to support the trial.
The Society is also calling on governments to create registries for patients who have obtained the CCSVI procedure abroad, or more broadly, for people living with MS, and to work with the Society to advocate to the federal government to play a coordinating and funding role of these registries. And the Society is calling on governments to ensure that no Canadian who undergoes treatment for CCSVI abroad is denied the necessary post-treatment, follow-up medical care they require when they return home.
While it is extremely hard for those living with MS to be patient, this preliminary research must be done to ensure public health care dollars are being spent wisely and that the procedure is safe, with a proven positive outcome. The National Board of Directors of the MS Society of Canada has established a National Working Group on CCSVI which is monitoring the ongoing research both at home and abroad and keeping everyone informed of new developments.
The MS Society of Canada is the largest funder of MS research in Canada and the only organization providing emotional and practical support and services to Canadians living with MS and their families.
The Society continues its advocacy on issues including caregiver support, income security and appropriate housing for people living with MS as well as CCSVI issues.
Ninety five per cent of all the Society's revenue for operation, providing support and services and providing funding for research, is money raised in communities, without fundraising companies, through events like the Scotiabank MS Walk and the Rona MS Bike Tour.
As one walker living with MS stated, "I encourage you to get out with your scooter, wheelchair, walking sticks and able-bodied friends and join us at this year's walk." Another walker stated, "Successful fundraising is not tricky, but it takes dedication and effort. Keep it simple, have fun, and make it a personal commitment."
Please join the Duncan Scotiabank MS Walk on April 17. If you would like to get more involved, join or form a team and see how much you can fundraise together. For more information or to register for the walk please visit www.mswalks.ca or call the Duncan office at 250-748-7010. For more information about CCSVI please visit www.mssociety.ca/ccsvi
http://www.canada.com/CCSVI+procedure+keeps+news/4221583/story.html