Jessica Smith
The third annual Lucy in the Sky walk for MS is set for October 1, and this year funds raised will go to the formation of a support group and eventual MS Society chapter here. While establishing a chapter can take some time, a support group can provide assistance to the 15 or so Atikokanites with MS and their families and caregivers in the interim, said Giannina Veltri, who along with Val Fraser is organizing the event.
That assistance could include regular meetings, information and financial help for out-of-town medical appointments and the purchase of mobility devices. The group would also run awareness and fundraising events throughout the year, said Veltri, whose sister Lucy Gasparotto passed away due to MS complications in 2006, and is the inspiration for this walk.
Starting a support group here was something Gasparotto had envisioned, said Veltri. “Lucy would always offer support to others with MS in the community. She wanted to start a group here, but it takes more than one person to get it going.”
Veltri said her sister was also part of an MS Society phone support line called Shared Perspectives, something that could again involve a local group.
Following next month’s walk, the group will hold its first informal meeting “for anyone that has an interest in sharing about the disease and helping raise awareness.”
Last year’s walk raised nearly $5,000 for chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) research into the widening of veins in the neck to reduce blockages that may contribute to symptoms.
his year’s event begins with registration at Little Falls Rec Centre at 3 pm, although pre-registration is preferred so organizers know how many t-shirts and dinners to order. Teams of at least three can sign up at the downtown Atikokan Showcase, this Saturday, or pick up a form at the Enchanted Florist or the Trading Post.
The minimum pledge has been lowered this year to $50 for adults, $25 for students and $10 for children (walkers will receive a t-shirt and dinner.)
The 3 km walk starts at 4:30 pm and will take teams through scenic Bunnell Park and Little Falls and participants are welcome to walk, bike or rollerblade. Prizes will be awarded for top three pledge-earners among adults, top student and child pledge-earners and the best poker hand. Dinner and live entertainment will follow at the Little Falls dining room.
New this year, the event has two major sponsors (TBayTel and Ontario Power Generation) and “hopefully we can continue with them in future walks,” said Veltri. For more info, call Veltri at (807) 621-3104, or Fraser at 597-4217.
http://www.atikokanprogress.ca/2011/09/07/third-lucy-in-the-sky-walk-set-for-october-1/