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Hoping to cure a truly Canadian disease Oakville MS (multiple sclerosis) Walk volunteers held a free pancake breakfast last Saturday at the downtown Timothy's World Coffee shop to raise awareness of this year's walk coming up on Sunday, April 18. More than 600 participants will take part in the route that begins at the Central West Specialized Developmental Services on Bond Street (formerly Oaklands Regional Centre). It's hoped the local walkers will raise more than $175,000 for research into MS and for services for those living with MS. "The 11th annual Oakville MS Walk will be taking place on Sunday, April 18 at Central West Specialized Developmental Services in downtown Oakville," said local Walk Co-ordinator Laura Franklin, noting the honourary chair is former mayor Ann Mulvale. Oakville Walk participants will join thousands of other Canadians in calling attention to multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is the most common disease of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) among young adults in Canada. Symptoms include vision and speech problems, extreme fatigue, lack of balance and coordination and even paralysis. More than 75,000 Canadians live with MS and three families a day hear the news that MS is now part of their lives, according to a release from the MS Society of Canada. Momentum has never been stronger in the field of MS research. A potential link between MS and chronic cerebral spinal insufficiency (CCSVI) as well as other MS research topics, such as pediatrics and genetics has piqued worldwide interest. Unfortunately, the extensive coverage also speaks to the breadth of incidence in Canada. Women are diagnosed three times as often as men and Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world. Multiple sclerosis truly is a Canadian disease, states the MS Society. "This event helps to fund services for people with MS and their families, which can include providing information and referrals, supportive counselling, and mobility equipment," said Yves Savoie, president and chief executive officer of the MS Society of Canada and president of the MS Society's Ontario Division. Proceeds from the MS Walk are used to support both MS research and services. Some funds stay in the local community to provide services for people with MS and their families. Other funds support Canadian research projects, furthering the search for the cure and the development of new treatments for people with multiple sclerosis. The MS Walk is a family-oriented event that combines fundraising with fun and community spirit. Participants can choose from varying route lengths and a wheelchair-accessible option is also available. To register for the MS Walk, or for more information, visit www.mssociety.ca/ontario, www.mswalks.ca or contact Franklin at 416922-6600, ext. 3124 or laura.franklin@mssociety.ca. 19 · Thursday, April 1, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com JAMES HOGGETT / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER COOKING UP A CURE: MS Walk volunteer Craig Earle (left) cooks up breakfast while Walk Co-ordinator Laura Franklin helps out as the Oakville MS Walk volunteers held a free pancake breakfast event at Timothy's World Coffee on Lakeshore Road last Saturday to raise awareness of this year's walk, which is coming up on April 18. More than 600 participants are expected to take part, raising more than $175,000. Sale for shelter on May 15 On Saturday, May 15 Oakville Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd. will host its second annual National Garage Sale for Shelter in support of the Shelter Foundation. Last year the nation-wide garage sale raised more than $120,000 to help abused women and children in Canada. All proceeds support Halton Women's Place and provincial and national programs to stop the cycle of violence. Residents can declutter for a cause and donate gently-used items by visiting www.oakvillegaragesale.ca. Visit the sale at Atlas Van Lines, 485 North Service Rd. E. on May 15. For information, visit www.oakvillegaragesale.ca. Arthritis in the Workplace Investigating alternative and complimentary medicine for arthritis Thursday, April 8, 2010 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital 327 Reynolds Str., Oakville, ON, L6J 3L7 Attend this FREE lecture to: · Find out about your rights as an employee with a chronic illness · Discover useful tips for maintaining productivity by adapting your work environment · Hear the personal story of managing the impact of arthritis at work Presenters: Community Partner Megan H Burkett Mercedes Reeb Pamela Jarvis LL.B, Labour & Employment Law, Keyser Mason Ball LLP B.Sc., MCISc., OT Reg. On, The Arthritis Society Living with arthritis Health Patron Refreshment Sponsor Health Champion Health Advocate Health Partner Register today at 905.878.2383 ext. 4379 or e-mail: healthpromotion@haltonhealthcare.on.ca Don't miss out! Space is limited. 1.800.321.1433 www.arthritis.ca