OPINION... 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.