Pam Valentine
President & CEO, MS Society of Canada
Now, more than ever, we must come together.
MS can be unpredictable. Scary. Complex. Exhausting. Silent.
MS can be life-changing. MS can be strength. Impactful. Unifying.
Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the world. MS is the most common acquired neurological disease among young adults. It’s relentless and can affect every aspect of a person’s life — physical, mental, and emotional. The impact on the individual living with MS and their families is immeasurable and the effects of the disease last a lifetime.
For those living with MS, the COVID-19 pandemic is another uncertainty on top of an already complicated disease. Canadians affected by MS face challenges including financial difficulties and barriers in accessing appropriate care supports. The COVID-19 pandemic only intensifies these circumstances and adds stress to both physical and mental health for an at-risk population.
Canadians affected by MS are at the heart of everything we do at the MS Society of Canada.
This global health crisis is creating further gaps for people living with MS — a population that already experiences times of isolation. What does all of this mean for the person living with MS? Imagine not knowing if your disease-modifying therapy was going to put you at greater risk for COVID-19. Imagine not having access to the physical therapy, exercise programs, or mental health supports you’ve chosen to include in your health care regimen. Imagine not having a support system around you because of physical distancing.
Canadians affected by MS are at the heart of everything we do at the MS Society of Canada. Our mission to connect and empower the MS community to create positive change is more important than ever. We’ll leave no stone unturned to ensure that those we serve find the support they need. To do this, we’re learning to adapt the way we move our mission forward to continue to support people affected by MS, and to fund the research that’s so fundamental to changing their lives.
One way is to unite virtually. Throughout the month of May, MS Awareness Month, we’re connecting our MS community and encouraging them to do the extraordinary. Whether it’s to walk, cycle, run, write, game, craft or bake — however you choose to challenge MS — know that #WeChallengeMS together. We support communities helping communities.
We’re in this together. We’ll get through this together.