As a thank you to the staff of Quesnel’s two A&W restaurants, the Multiple Sclerosis self-help group presented them with carnations in May, MS Awareness Month.
The group thanked the staff for the company’s launch of their 2012 campaign Cruisin’ for a Cause in support of the MS Society of Canada. Cruisin’ for a Cause takes place Aug. 23 with any vehicle welcome to participate. Last year, the two A&W restaurants in Quesnel raised $3,600 on Cruisin’ Day.
In 2011, the national campaign raised $1 million in support of MS research and services/supports to those affected by MS.
“May being MS Awareness Month gave us a good opportunity to thank the staff for their support last year and to let them know their contribution has a positive impact on the lives of people who have MS,” Donna Jagusch, a facilitator of the Quesnel MS self-help group said.
The Quesnel self-help group meets monthly, giving people living with MS the opportunity to connect with others living with this life-changing disease and creates a sense of community for those affected.
MS is a lifelong chronic illness that can be disabling and devastating to those diagnosed. Although it can occur at any age, MS often hits people in the prime of their lives and is usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 – 40, when people are often starting a family or building their careers. After being diagnosed, people must learn how to deal with symptoms associated to having MS such as fatigue, spasticity and mobility issues. MS is an unpredictable disease that affects between 55,000 – 75,000 Canadians.
The MS Society’s top priority is the people living with MS. The Society remains strongly committed to providing services to those impacted by multiple sclerosis.