Clockwise, from bottom front: Chris in red, great grandma Jean, Steven, Alanna, and Patricia

Says Alanna, "I don’t know where we would be as a family today or how we could do it if it weren’t for my grandmother Patty. When my mother was no longer able to use the scooter to attend to my brother and me it distressed her immensely. Who was there to help not only physically but also emotionally it was Patty. She now became the only driver for the two homes. She did all the grocery shopping including driving the kids to cadets, sporting events, school, and anywhere else they, Chris or her parents needed to be. No one missed out on anything not even a doctor’s appointment.

"Patty’s whole life has been about helping the community and those in need. Patty has passed the message onto her family ‘don’t just stand there get your hands dirty and help out!"

Read more about Patricia in the Fall/Winter edition of the member’s newsletter, MS Hopes MS Heroes. Download PDF

Jennifer captains a team of friends and family who participate with her at events. They have raised over $ 82,200 to date in support of her and the MS Society. The Carr Crew team is known for their enthusiasm and team spirit. Jennifer welcomes new people to her team, helping them feel welcome at events. She is always positive, embraces her mobility challenges with a determination and humor that motivate her team and everyone around her.

Another RONA MS Bike participant in the 160 km Fraser Valley Grape Escape told an audience of 250 people: “When I saw Jennifer climbing up the hill beside her bike she was limping. She still had a big smile on her face and I knew why I am riding. That is the inspiration for why I do what I do!”

With Kevin’s support, the Fraser Valley chapter has been able to contribute $90,000 towards MS research, increase office hours and expand service to Hope and the surrounding area.

Despite a busy personal and work life, Kevin contributes year-round to activities that promote MS awareness in his community. He was media spokesperson for the MS Walk for many years and he loans his profile to benefit other MS Walkers and to educate the public including social clubs for adults and children in classrooms.

He has facilitated meetings for a self-help group and recently ensured that the 2010 FV Chapter AGM was well organized. Kevin speaks honestly about the impact of the disease and his hopes for the future which helps people to understand why it is important to be part of the MS Society’s mission. He believes in the power of getting personal stories out to the public to bring attention to the disease and the work of the MS Society.

Mike worked very closely with the North Vancouver Island Chapter and together we came up with the structure for the event. Mike took this idea to Mount Washington Alpine Resort who whole-heartedly supported the fundraiser and provided financial, staff and on-site support for the event.

Ski for MS has raised a total of $60,798 in pledges, sponsorship dollars, barbeque proceeds and day of event donations. Mount Washington’s support has allowed a more of the pledges raised by participants to go directly to supporting people living with MS in the community. Funds raised have allowed the Chapter to provide the same level of programs locally in spite of fluctuations in annual funding. The success of the event has allowed the chapter to increase support of MS research each year.

During the famous Cowichan Valley Grape Escape RONA MS Bike Tour, the grassy main entrance to the college forms a vibrant base that includes “rider village,” pledge drop-off, team tents, and event support tents. The dining hall hosts the Saturday night dinner and dance which hums with the energy those results from good friends and high hopes.  Says Todd Abercrombie, Executive Director of the South Vancouver Island Chapter, “We are very fortunate to have this relationship with Brentwood College. With this jewel of a home base, our goal is to continue growing the Cowichan Valley MS Bike Tour.”

The South Cowichan Rotary continues undaunted! In fact, four years ago the club decided to provide the lunchtime BBQ at the finish line for the event. For the last 8 years, the Club has carried out on of the best organized Carnation campaign on Vancouver Island in the village of Mill Bay.

Anne Muir describes working with this exceptional group of volunteers who not only volunteer, but cover the costs of both meals, “They are delight to work with and it is a wonderful feeling to know that this one vital part of the event is totally under control.”

Derek is very dignified about living with his disease. Through his willingness to describe the challenges and hopes that he lives with, he offers a strong role model for people newly diagnosed and he always acknowledges the struggles faced by others. Derek is an excellent ambassador for the MS Society and for people living with MS.