Support Pours in for People Living With MS in Kelowna

Over 180 participants were expected for the walk. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)

The sense of community was strong on Sunday as Kelowna residents came out to support the Scotiabank MS Walk.

This annual event occurs in more than 20 communities across B.C., raising funds in support of ending multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological disease that can cause symptoms such as cognitive impairment, difficulty speaking, fatigue, difficulty in walking, and depression. There are approximately 800 MS patients living in the Okanagan area.

Spirits were high at the event, with a strong sense of community as people chatted and came together in support. The day had a bright May sun with enough crispness in the air to keep anyone from getting too warm while they were walking in support.

Michelle Hewitt thanking family and friends of those living with MS for their support. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)

Kelowna city councillor Mohini Singh spoke at the event, talking about how she was not there because she is a councillor, but because she too is struggling with MS. “We all have good days and bad days,” said Singh, “but we’re all here so today is a good day.”

Michelle Hewitt, co-chair of the Okanagan chapter of the MS Society of Canada and someone living with MS, thanked everyone for coming, but saved the biggest thanks for those with MS who got up, put on their game face, and didn’t let MS define who they were. She said that these people’s strength and determination to live every day to the full is why they were all gathered at Stuart Park on Sunday.

(Photo Credit: KelownaNow)

The walkers also took a moment to remember those they had lost in the past year, releasing balloons in their memory.

“Kelowna has an amazing participant base. They’re all so engaged. They’re all so willing to fundraise,” said Sarah Taylor, development coordinator, talking about the impressive turnout and support for this event. “They do it because they care.”

The crowd getting into the warm-up. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)

Team Marshall, who raised over $6000 online, led out the walkers with MS flags. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)

Half of all the funds raised stays in the Okanagan to help local people with MS with their daily lives, while the rest goes to the MS Society of Canada for research. Local funding goes to items such as support services, exercise programs, orientations, and guest speakers.

The Okanagan chapter’s goal this year is to raise $45,000, and Taylor was fairly confident in their ability to meet it, saying that money was still pouring in.

(Photo Credit: KelownaNow)

(Photo Credit: KelownaNow)