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Take a stroll and help MS Society Going for a leisurely walk is something most of us take for granted. It's as natural as waking up, getting dressed and strolling down the hall and into the kitchen for breakfast. These same routine activities can become insurmountable tasks for anyone stricken with multiple sclerosis. In its advanced stages, MS is known to rob people of their sight and mobility. An estimated one in 500 Canadians has MS-- Canada has one of the highest rates of the neurological disease in the world-- and another 1,000 cases are diagnosed in our country each year. It is a mysterious and unpredictable disease that most often strikes people in the prime of life, but has been known to occur at any age, including childhood. Women are three times as likely to fall prey to MS than men. While there is no cure for it, medical research is ongoing -- as are efforts to provide support services for those fighting the disease, and their families. On Sunday (April 15) each of us has an opportunity to do our part by simply taking a walk. The Milton/Halton Hills Loblaws Super Cities Walk for MS offers participants of all ages and fitness levels a wide range of routes. The three shortest routes are also wheelchair accessible. If you're not already registered for the 9:30 a.m. walk starting from the Milton Leisure Centre (1700 Main St., Milton) you can sign up online (wwwsupercitieswalk.com) or call 1-888-8228467. Approximately 72 cents from every dollar raised by the fundraiser is equally divided between MS Society client services and research. By doing something we already do every day of our lives, the MS Society of Canada strives to finally find a cure. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Erinoak in urgent need of funding Dear editor, As therapists currently working with children with special needs in the Acton and Georgetown communities, we would like to take this opportunity to share some information with the general public. We are writing today to ask for your support for an important project. Erinoak is Ontario's largest Children's Treatment Centre, serving more than 8,000 children, youth and families per year who reside in the regions of Halton, Peel, and Dufferin counties. We provide a comprehensive range of habilitation and rehabilitation services to young people with physical, developmental, and communication disabilities and their families including assessment, treatment and support services. The number of children and families served by Erinoak has grown from 800 in 1996 to more than 8,000 today, an average growth rate of nearly 10 per cent per year. Erinoak is committed to improving children's lives and continuing its 35-year track record of excellence in the provision of care to children with disabilities and their families. Erinoak is in urgent need of government funding to help build a new facility to meet the burgeoning demand for services to children with disabilities. Over the past few weeks, Erinoak staff, families, and friends have been writing letters to cabinet ministers and local councillors to highlight the need for an expanded treatment centre for children and adults with physical and communication challenges. So far, the response from government members has been very positive. Your support is vital to the success of Erinoak and its ability to continue providing programs and services to children with disabilities and their families. Without a new facility, Erinoak will not be able to meet the current or future needs of this vulnerable population; a population it is mandated by the Province of Ontario to serve. Please take a moment to support our project by speaking with local, regional and provincial politicians. For more details, visit our website www.erinoak.org to learn more about our centre and help us advocate the needs of special children. Thank you. Gerry Hanna, Speech Therapist Denise Carson, Physiotherapist Pamela Cox, Occupational Therapist Kelly Kelman, Occupational Therapist Fundraising help is appreciated Dear editor, Fellow employees at the Vanier Centre and Maplehurst Complex in Milton have been actively helping me to get closer to my fundraising goal for the Princess Margaret Hospital's Weekend to End Breast Cancer. They recently held fundraisers, including a well-attended luncheon on March 22. The events have raised more than $1,180 to get me closer to my personal goal. A third-year veteran in the event, I am looking forward to the 60 km walk, despite last year's cold night "sleeping in the tents". On March 23, Milton's Wal-Mart hosted a pot luck and dress down day to raise funds for the walk. Many thanks to all Wal-Mart staff, in particular to Suzanne Tait and her Special Events Fundraising Team. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the following merchants who donated products and raffle prizes to assist us in our events: Milton's Loblaws and Sobey's Express, Shear Pleasure Salon & Spa, Shopper's Drug Mart (Main St.), Acton's Giant Tiger, Sobeys, Pharma Plus, Shopper's Drug Mart and Home Hardware, Georgetown's Real Canadian Food Store, A&P, Brian's Food Basics. Sue Hamilton, Acton