MS Walk Raises over $130,000 for Local Patients

“We are estimated to have had just under 400 walkers and runners at our 9th annual Jayman BUILT MS Walk!” Brenda Rosychuk, Senior Coordinator, Programs, Services and Development for the Lakeland Chapter of the MS Society says attendance were good on Saturday.

” I am so proud to say we have a preliminary estimated total of $130,000 raised so far for our St. Paul/Lakeland Walk, but we will update you over the next few weeks once the numbers are confirmed.  Our goal this year is $134,000.  We will still see some funds coming in until the end of June, as people continue to raise funds after the walk with do- it- yourself events, etc.” A portion of those funds will stay local to assist patients in the Lakeland with programming and care, while the remainder  will go to national research.

Firefighters wore full gear, masks, & tanks as their way of showing support and experiencing what it may be like to have MS

Walk kicked off with an zumba warm up

Many kids rode their bikes and even decorated their rides or helmets

Brenda Rosychuk & James Purdy

MLA Dave Hanson with local firefighters

Crowd gathering prior to walk

Known as Canada’s Disease, Rosychuk says, “We are so grateful here in the Lakeland to have so many people dedicated to our mission, which is to be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life.  We have an incredible group of fundraisers who really are the heroes helping us in this fight.”

Just prior to the walk, a local spokesperson, dedicated fundraiser and volunteer, as well as, MS patient, James Purdy spoke of his son’s vision of one day curing the disease. “My son said to me, ‘Dad, what are we going to do after we cure MS?’ and to see that it’s such a real possibility in his lifetime, we are closer than ever.” Purdy explained the support and second family that has developed from the Lakeland MS has helped him and his family get through a lot of tough times, is why the MS Society is so important in our region.

Purdy’s team, MS AINT PURDY, captained by 8 year old son, Griffin, raised more than $40,000 with over $10,000 coming from young Griffin’s efforts. “This is such a blessing and we’re so happy to see this support during such a difficult economic year,” Purdy is optimistic that a cure is just years away, “these funds will go a long way locally to support those affected with MS and helping us find a cure to FINALLY END MS!”

Rosychuk says it takes a huge team of volunteers and community members to put on the walk each year and would like to thank everyone who was involved or donated to the event. “Sending out an huge thank you to our dedicated volunteers, committed sponsors, many fundraisers, Walk committee and my colleague, Corinne Lotoski; without these individuals, our event would not be possible”