May is MS Awareness Month in Canada, and there will be events taking place right here in Quesnel.
The city of Quesnel will be raising the MS Canada flag on Friday, May 24 at 1 p.m. at LeBourdais Park. Representatives from Quesnel MS Self Help group will be there too.
The Quesnel MS Self Help Group is also inviting the public to stop by the Quesnel Farmers’ Market on Saturday, May 25 from 8.30 a.m. until 1 p.m. for MS Walk and Awareness Day.
The public is encouraged to drop in and say hello to the support group, who meet monthly at city hall from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. the first Thursday of every month.
MS is a neurological disease that impacts the central nervous system. There is currently no cure for MS and no known cause of the condition, which impacts over 90,000 Canadians. Most people have heard of multiple sclerosis, however many are surprised to learn of its demographic impact, says MS Canada.
Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the world. On average, 12 Canadians are diagnosed every day. Most people are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20 and 49. It is considered an episodic disability meaning that the severity and duration of episodes of illness and disability can vary, often followed by periods of wellness. It can also be progressive.
Women are three times more likely to be diagnosed with MS than men.
MS Canada focuses on support, advocacy and research that will positively impact the lives of people living with, and affected by MS.
The Quesnel MS Self Help Group is also there to help those in need of support in Quesnel.