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I May Means Teaching and Fund-Raising for MS Society Section Two The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanvillc. May 13, 1987 15 Orono Art Show a Six- Year Tradition "You have to live with what you have,," says Multiple Sclerosis victim Joanne McKay. As a extremely active member of the Durham and Ontario MS Society, ; Joanne proves that with a lot of hard work, a never say never attitude, and the support of family and friends, anything is possible. May has been proclaimed MS month by the mayors of the Durham Region. K by Carolyn Hepburn Joanne McKay doesn't let .(anything gel her down. Not l even Multiple Sclerosis, a disease of the central nerv- : ous system that interrupts the brain's ability to control ; walking, talking, seeing and other important functions. . "You have to live with what you have," says Mrs .McKay. ; . As she drove around her home in the motorized cart "Amigo", it was obvious that she has the situation more than under control. I "I think of myself as a victim, victim, more than a patient," she explained, adding that Multiple Sclerosis is not fatal, and many people live with it for 20-30 years. ; ' Mrs. McKay is the Social ; Action Director, both for the Durham Chapter and at the Ontario Division level ! of the MS Society. There are many duties which fall under that title, but her ; main point of concern at the moment is accessibility. She has worked with the Barrier Free Design Board in Toronto on wheelchair and washroom accessibility. accessibility. She has also been involved involved in the design and development development of the new Bow- manville Town Hall. "What the non-disabled conceive as accessible is not necessarily accessible, " said Mrs. McKay. Describing the accessi- bilty of Bowmanville, Mrs. McKay gets right to the point. "It is the pits," she says, almost with a laugh. According to Mrs. McKay, there is no optometrist, dentist, dentist, or doctor's office, other than the emergency room at the hospital, that is accessible by the disabled. "People mean well, but it really all comes back to money. My money doesn't look any different than anyone anyone else's," says Mrs. McKay. Parking spots for the disabled disabled are another pel peeve. "I have never once been to Bowmanville Mall where the spots weren't Lucky Winner of $728 in St. Joseph's Draw i./to \7w\- : ^ 1 ■§ /V.. H 4 : h*. v it ---, E 1 A .surprise celebration was held Sat, May 2 at Pebblestone Golf Course in recognition of its 2f>lh anniversary. Bill Watson, Sandra Soldi and members and families of Pebblestone Golf Course presented a plaque to the Soldi family, the owners and operators of Pebblestone. Seen here are (back) Tom Soldi, Eileen Soldi, Paul Soldi and Steve Soldi and holding the cake, Shirley Soldi, Jennifer Soldi and Phyllis Soldi. set tests to help with the diagnosis. Many people experience experience eye problems in the early stages of MS. Almost Almost all eventually experience experience extreme fatigue. Ron Johnson, another victim victim of MS, considers him- • self fortunate to still be walking. "It's hard to explain to anyone how I feel. Pm really suffering all over, and the fatigue is incredible. But I just try to keep going," Mr, Johnson said. "At times, it's like you have lead boots on, and with each step the lead increases. increases. I'm not supposed to over-tax myself, so I watch when I'm gardening and have a rest. It may be after only 15 minutes work, but I have to rest," he said. Both Mrs. McKay and Mr. Johnson have had wonderful wonderful support from their families. Mr. McKay works shift work but is still very involved involved with the MS Society when the shifts permit. Mrs. McKay is thankful that the MS didn't really become difficult to live with until her two sons, Larry and Ian, now grown, were into their teenage years. Mr. Johnson and his wife, Shirley', along with their daughter, Rhonda, arc all involved with the MS Society. Society. The Johnsons originally originally brought the Carnation Drive to this area and still host the barbeque in June and the corn roast on Labour Day week-end. The 270 member strong Durham MS Society Chapter Chapter performs so many needed functions that it can ,be overwhelming to think that most of the work is done by volunteers. The MS Society offers a Spousal/Care Giver Group the second Wednesday of every month that provides information and support to both the victims of MS and their families. The Society also has monthly meetings, on the third Tuesday, at the Donevan Complex on Harmony Harmony Rd. There are films, speakers, entertainment, etc. In May, the group will travel to the C.N. Tower in Toronto. There is no stopping stopping any of the members of the chapter, whether they have MS or not. Though a cause for MS has yet to be found, some researchers researchers think it may be linked to a defect in the body's immune system leading leading to an allergic reaction. taken up by someone who shouldn't be there," she said. She added that the mall manager is very sympathetic sympathetic to the situation and makes a concerted effort to keep the spots free. "We've come a long way, but there is still much work to be done," says the ever- oplimislic Mrs. McKay. "It doesn't make sense not to do renovations, it's cost efficient to do so. It will help attract many more people." "If they (planners and architects) architects) would just consult with people like me who know what is needed. We need to get through to the right people. There is so much money spent on awareness but there is still a lack of awareness," she added. Mrs. McKay first experienced experienced the signs of MS in July 1971. At that time there was no neurologist in the area to aid in diagnosis. Furthermore, there are no Dan Battams (left) was the winner of $728 in a recent 50/50 draw at St. Joseph's School. The draw was part of a fundraiser for the school and Mr. Battams is seen with Principal Hart Armstrong and Grace DeVerteuil, the Vice-President' of the CPTA. Surprise Party Marks Anniversary at Golf Course y Others think the disease may be caused by a virus. Whatever the cause, and one day the cure, Multiple Sclerosis is the most common common central nervous system disease in Canada. More than 50,000 Canadians are affected and Mrs. McKay thinks that number is on the conservative side. In terms of financial support, support, it costs the Canadian economy hundreds of millions millions ofdollars a year in lost jobs, medical bills, unemployment unemployment insurance and social service payments. That is why the fund-raising is so vital to aiding in the discovery of the cause, and hopefully one day soon, the cure. Still, money can't do everything. everything. It can't replace the understanding and the love and support of families. It can't restore the victims to their former good health. But, it doesn't seem to matter when one sees Mrs. McKay and Mr. Johnson. They are just two examples of what can be accomplished accomplished when will wins out over physical circumstances. circumstances. If only able- bodied people could be so strong, just think of what could be accomplished. ♦ ' \ : * „\ " l:,' / \ 4 The 6th Annual Spring Art Show was held in the Orono Town Hall May 1st, 2nd and 3rd with the works of several local artists up on display. Here, artist Lee Wakelin (right) and Barb Casselman sneak a peak at one of Mrs. Wakelin's works. ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT on our Home Improvement Sale Hurry! Save $$$ Now! SpKtmaker„ SHED 8' x7' GH87 4 ! f?/iz>> Maximize storage space! Prefinished galvanized steel panels are precision- engineered for easy assembly and long-life good looks. Smoothly-operating door, weatherproof threshold. 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