MS Walk: $1,000,500 for the 20,000 Quebec Families Affected by Multiple Sclerosis, a Canada’s disease

Montreal, May 25, 2015 – This Sunday, more than 5,000 people came together around the province to take part in the MS Walk, organized by the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. Thanks to the efforts of all the participants, volunteers, and donors, $1,000,500 was raised this year. Since this annual event was launched, it has raised over $16.5 million!

Debbie Lynch-White at the MS Walk
The MS Walk, which is held in 20 towns and cities across the province, is a joyful, unifying event at which people with MS and their families enjoy some unforgettable experiences! On this occasion, Debbie Lynch-White, spokesperson of the MS Walk, was in Montreal: “They say there’s a story behind every step. My father lived with the daily problems caused by multiple sclerosis for almost ten years. The time I spent with him made me a stronger person, and now I want to use this strength on behalf of all the people who have to live with this disease. Participating in the MS Walk is a very intense experience. My father was full of hope, and I am too! On May 24, I was very moved to hear the stories of hundreds of other people affected by this disease. I thank all the thousands of Quebecers who came together in their communities so that, together, we can end MS!”

Outstanding partners
“We attribute the success of this event to the participants’ commitment and the support of our partners such as GENZYME, a Sanofi company, presenting partner of the MS Walk, which had 150 walkers across Canada,” said Louis Adam, Executive Director of the Quebec Division of the MS Society.

The MS Society would also like to thank its generous national partners, without which the event could not have been such a success: GENZYME, a Sanofi company, Student Works Painting, Brink’s Canada Ltd. and Protegra.

About multiple sclerosis
Canada has the highest incidence of multiple sclerosis in the world. MS is the most widespread neurological disease affecting young adults in the country. It is generally diagnosed in people aged 15 to 40 years old, and its unpredictable effects last a lifetime. In 2015, the MS Scientific Research Foundation awarded a grant to researchers seeking to assess the effectiveness of a promising treatment for MS based on mesenchymal stem cells. To learn more about this study, visit mssociety.ca.

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Source :
Jeanne Sanchez-Bradley, Communications Coordinator
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Quebec Division
514 849-7591, ext. 2245, or 1 800 268-7582 (toll-free in Quebec)
jeanne.sanchez@scleroseenplaques.ca