Faces of MS: Monthly MS Profiles
May 2012
Derek and Darleen at the 1996 Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games.
Derek Milloy
Derek Milloy from Burnaby received the National Opal Award for Caregiver in recognition of his commitment to taking care of his wife Darleen, who was diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis in 1992. Sadly, Darleen passed away in May 2011.
In the early 1980s, Darleen began competing in pipe bands at home and in Scotland. In 1987, Darleen won the top solo piping award in BC and one of the top prizes in Scotland, the silver medal at Inverness.
In 1988, she met Derek who was also active in piping. In 1992, she was diagnosed with MS. At that time, Darleen tried to let Derek know that she understood it might be scary for him after her diagnosis. Derek was adamant that the future could not be predicted and that he was committed to their relationship. The couple decided early on that rather than spending time and energy pursuing treatment, they would pursue happiness by putting dedication and commitment into living a happy life together.
Darleen's MS progressed. In 1996, she began to use a power wheelchair. Over time, the couple would renovate their home, purchase a wheelchair van, make use of the MS Society's Equipment Provision Program, and find ways to communicate when MS made speech impossible for Darleen.
The Opal Caregiver Award was established in 1993 to honour the dedication and devotion displayed by Jack and Minda Opal in their support and care for Evelyn Opal, a founding member of the MS Society. Candidates for these awards have demonstrated outstanding commitment and caring to a person with MS. They have made a difference in the life of the person with MS while also paying attention to their own personal growth and development.
Read Derek and Darleen's full story in MS Hope MS Heroes Spring 2012 edition.
Past profiles:
2012 Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May
2011 Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct
| Nov | Dec
2010 May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec
Back to BC & Yukon Division Homepage.
