It's that time of year again...
On Sunday, April 19th, Melly (lostvoice) and her sister Erin, my cousin Niki (lickety_nymph) and my sister Kate (kaitchis) are dragging our sorry selves out of bed at an ungodly hour and heading up to darkest North York to once again participate in the Toronto MS Walk.
There are few reasons in the world that any of us would give up a Sunday lay-in, but this is a cause that is particularly important to us for reasons many of you already know.
... and now we segue directly into the part where we ask you for money. Please consider sponsoring us -- all proceeds are used to fund research towards treatments and ultimately a cure for MS, and also to provide support for Canadians currently living with MS.
Last year, our team of four raised an impressive $2,562. This year, our goal is to raise at least $3000. My personal goal is to raise $1000.
You know the drill, people: Every little bit helps! If you're Canadian, you will get a tax receipt (for the 2009 tax year, not the one that's just closing) -- Donate online and you'll get it instantly. If you're not Canadian, there's no tax benefit, but there is the warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from donating money to an important cause.To sponsor me or Team Catwalk, please visit our Team Sponsorship Page and either select the team member you want to sponsor from the list on the lower-left, or click on the red button in the upper right corner to sponsor the entire team.
Some general facts about Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Key Areas of Research Funded by the MS Society of Canada:
Finally, for those of you not in Canada who would like to make a donation but would prefer it be directed locally:
There are few reasons in the world that any of us would give up a Sunday lay-in, but this is a cause that is particularly important to us for reasons many of you already know.
... and now we segue directly into the part where we ask you for money. Please consider sponsoring us -- all proceeds are used to fund research towards treatments and ultimately a cure for MS, and also to provide support for Canadians currently living with MS.
Last year, our team of four raised an impressive $2,562. This year, our goal is to raise at least $3000. My personal goal is to raise $1000.
You know the drill, people: Every little bit helps! If you're Canadian, you will get a tax receipt (for the 2009 tax year, not the one that's just closing) -- Donate online and you'll get it instantly. If you're not Canadian, there's no tax benefit, but there is the warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from donating money to an important cause.To sponsor me or Team Catwalk, please visit our Team Sponsorship Page and either select the team member you want to sponsor from the list on the lower-left, or click on the red button in the upper right corner to sponsor the entire team.
Some general facts about Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- MS can occur at any age, but is usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 to 40
- Women are more than three times as likely to develop MS as men.
- MS is unpredictable, affecting vision, hearing, memory, balance and mobility.
- There is currently no cure for MS.
Key Areas of Research Funded by the MS Society of Canada:
- Repair damaged myelin and nerve fibres - Since the central problem in MS is the destruction of myelin, a crucial focus is to find a way to stop the damage and stimulate myelin regrowth Another important research area is the repair injured nerve fibres.
- Immune system - The immune system attacks the body’s myelin so it is vital to understand what triggers that attack and to find ways to block it. The current MS therapies have been developed from immune system research efforts.
- Virus research - Some investigators think that a number of common viruses may trigger MS attacks. Work is underway to identify them.
- Genetics - Significant progress is being made in understanding how genes may contribute to the development of MS. The world’s largest study of genetic susceptibility is taking place in Canada.
- MRI studies - Since the 1980s, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to allow investigators to see into the living brain and to detect MS lesions. MRI allows for faster diagnosis of MS and, equally important, faster evaluation of potentially useful MS therapies. Canadian scientists are leaders in this field.
- Health research - This program funds research that seeks to find the overall determinants of health and that helps people with MS to better cope with the disease. Areas funded include: epidemiology, health economics and psycho-social and behavioural issues.
Finally, for those of you not in Canada who would like to make a donation but would prefer it be directed locally: