The Saskatchewan Blue Cross MS WALK in Weyburn takes place on May 27.
"We're doing some new things this year," the MS Society of Canada's Senior Manager of Events Dawn Froats explained. "We're trying to bring attention to why people participate, which is for someone they know with MS. There's nearly always a connection there. The personal stories are important."
The event's new tagline, Lace Up for Someone You Love, is indicative of this new direction.
One in two people in Canada know someone with MS. Communications Manager Janet Nicolson believes that number is even higher in Saskatchewan.
"I can't talk to someone about MS without them mentioning their own connection," said Nicolson. "MS is incredibly prevalent in Saskatchewan, meaning the support of the MS Society is especially important in our province."
Funds raised through the WALK program stay in Saskatchewan and support Canadian MS research and client services initiatives such as higher education bursaries, emergency support funds and the annual MS Family Conference. Last year walkers raised over $700,000 provincially for the MS Society.
WALK participant Michelle Wilda was one of several individuals to share her MS story to potential WALK participants throughout February and March.
"I have learned that there is an incredible network of people out there who are willing to listen, help or guide you in the right direction," said Wilda. "Getting involved with the Saskatchewan Blue Cross MS WALK has been the most empowering thing I have done to fight back against my MS."
Megan Fields also shared why the WALK is important to her.
"My first two years participating in the WALK were just a fun thing to do in the community for a good cause," said Fields. "My second two years have taken a more personal direction because I was diagnosed with MS on April 21, 2010. Even through the good days my MS is always in the back of my mind. A cure is needed, for me, for the new friends I've met with MS, for the ones not yet diagnosed."
Janet Nicolson encourages members of the community, including media outlets, to come out and support the WALK.
"It's really important that we draw attention to the MS cause," she said. "MS is all over the news right now, yet I meet many people who don't know what it is. We want to give a human face to MS, to really show people why it's important to support the MS Society."
Individuals looking to register can visit mswalks.ca for more information or to sign up. The Weyburn WALK takes place at Weyburn Comprehensive School. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m. and the WALK begins at 10:30 a.m.
