Division OPAL Award
Alan Degerness has provided an incredible level of support for his wife Sandra, who has primary progressive MS. He married her knowing the challenges that would come up due to this aggressive form of MS, and is unwavering in his support of her. “Alan is someone I can lean on for help. Whenever I need anything, he is there,” said Sandra. “His love kept me going all these years.” In addition to working at his store and helping to look after their three daughters, Alan has taken on an increasing number of regular household duties and also assists Sandra with personal care. He has been instrumental in providing a home that is a stable, supportive, and loving place for all to grow.
We are very sad to learn that Alan Degerness was recently killed in a motorcycle accident. Several staff and Society members had the pleasure of meeting Alan and Sandra last fall when Alan accepted the Opal award. Our condolences and best wishes to Sandra and their family and friends.
Gerry Bramhill,
Division Award of Merit (Member)
Division Award of Merit (Member)
Gerry supports the MS Society in as many ways as he can, having served in over 8 different positions during his 14-year membership on the BC & Yukon Division’s board of directors. His activities run the gamut from being on the national board of directors to doing the physical work of bringing in generators and providing electrical tech support on MS Walk and MS Bike Tour event days. Gerry is a sincere supporter of staff at all levels and demonstrates strong, diplomatic leadership. Highlights of his activities include leading the BC & Yukon Division’s participation in the national governance review and playing a significant role in securing a $150,000 grant for the Equipment Provision Program.
Marcy Moore, Division Award
of Merit
(Non-Member)
Division Award of Merit (Non-Member)
Marcy goes above and beyond her job description as an MS Nurse at the Prince George MS Clinic. She works hard to provide in-person outreach services to clients all over northern BC, covering communities north of Prince George up to the Yukon, and east to the Alberta border. She has taken a strong leadership role in collaborating with others and enhancing client services. Among other things, Marcy has worked together with MS Society staff to organize and host workshops in Prince George, to develop a positive relationship with the local self-help group, and to address issues such as client access to equipment.
The Cowichan Valley Citizen, Certificate of Exceptional Achievement (Media)
Certificate of Exceptional Achievement (Media)
The Cowichan Valley Citizen has been a strong supporter of the MS Society since the first MS Walk in the area 9 years ago. The newspaper has played a large part in increasing public awareness and engagement in the MS cause. The Citizen supports the Society’s mission year-round by including promotional pieces and feature-length articles about our events, including the MS Walk, Carnation Campaign and many other events organized by supporters in the community. Society events have seen incredible growth over the past 3-4 years, and we believe this is because of the great support provided by the Citizen.
Warner Smith and the Motorcycle Brigade, Certificate of Exceptional Achievement (Community Group)
Certificate of Exceptional Achievement
(Community Group)
For 10 years, Warner Smith and his group of motorcycle enthusiasts have been escorting cyclists in the annual Fraser Valley Grape Escape RONA MS Bike Tour. Fundraisers count on this group to add to the positive energy and to help participants feel at ease on the road. Whether they are escorting riders throughout the route or bringing the last ones back to the starting line on a custom-made “trike bike”, this group is integral to the success of the local RONA MS Bike Tours. Warner himself is actively involved in the bike tour’s Steering Committee, and has played a key role in improving the 2009 bike route to ensure a more enjoyable ride for all participants.
Will Arnold, Experience Cycling, Certificate of Exceptional Achievement (Business or Corporation)
Certificate of Exceptional Achievement
(Business or Corporation)
Will Arnold, owner and operator of Experience Cycling, has been a major part of the Cowichan Valley Grape Escape RONA MS Bike Tour for the last 7 years. He and the staff at Experience Cycling have been present at various MS Bike Tours as guides and on-site mechanics, making sure that bikes are running as smoothly as possible and that riders feel safe and secure. Will’s support ranges from: continual expansion of sponsorship despite the tough economy, taking part in the organizing committee, and giving participants a great show by donning his tuxedo and leading riders on his Penny Farthing bike. Without Will and Experience Cycling, a significant piece of the event would be missing.
Marilyn Marsden, Certificate of Exceptional Achievement (Service Volunteer)
Certificate of Exceptional Achievement
(Service Volunteer)
Since 1975, Marilyn Marsden has been supporting MS awareness and fundraising activities in her local community. Highlights from her extensive volunteer history include independently running a successful Gold River Carnation Campaign for 5 years and organizing annual Christmas parties for the Comox Valley Self-Help Support Group. She also speaks out for people with disabilities; Marilyn has spent many hours on the telephone advocating for those who have requested her assistance, and writing for letter campaigns to bring awareness to the daily challenges faced by those living with a disability. As a longtime member of the Comox Valley Accessibility Committee, she has initiated significant improvements in accessible public space throughout the Comox Valley.
British Columbia & Yukon Division
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
1501-4330 Kingsway
Burnaby, British Columbia V5H 4G7
To locate the MS Society office near you, please select the appropriate chapter:
Telephone: (604) 689-3144
Fax: (604) 689-0377
Toll Free (BC): 1-800-268-7582
Toll Free (Yukon): 1-866-991-0577 info.bc@mssociety.ca
