Faces of MS: Monthly MS Profiles

January 2012

Susan Baker

Susan was diagnosed with MS in 1979 and had to leave her career in banking in 1988. She decided to become a volunteer because she realized that she still had professional knowledge and experience to share.

It took Susan a long time to come into the MS Society as she was not ready to admit to the diagnosis, but is very happy she did. “I still remember walking through the doors and instantly feeling enveloped by a ‘giant hug’.” The warmth, acceptance and understanding of those she met made it not so scary to have MS.

“I began volunteering at the MS Society in 1993 by helping in the office two afternoons a week doing everything from answering telephones, helping the bookkeeper, doing payroll, issuing cheques and supporting accounts receivable.”

“Shortly after I began in the office I heard about the MS Support Line and I began volunteering with this very valuable service. The South Vancouver Island Chapter’s support line is manned 24/7 by people with MS who are there to listen, to share stories, and to support clients who call in.”

In 1996 Susan joined the MS Society as a staff member and is proud to be part of the amazing team all across Canada working together to end MS. “I am still volunteering on the MS Support Line and remember that ‘giant hug’?...it’s still here!”

The South Vancouver Island Chapter MS Support Line receives approximately 25 calls per month and is an important service for people who are newly diagnosed to connect anonymously with the MS Society. The support line number is 250-383-4355.

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