Another year has past and health wise I have been doing very well. The Lord has blessed me with a teaching position at Trinity Christian School. I have felt very at home here, and the work load has not affected my health.
As many of you know, our family has been participating in the St Catharines MS Walkathon for almost two decades. My parents were the first to be involved, after I was diagnosed with this disease, and since that year mom has organized a team, Al's Pals.
The team has consisted of anywhere from 10 to over 20 family members. We have had years when family has arrived from BC to join the team to walk. Over the years the team has been able to raise over $300,000, which would never have been able to be done if it was not for our supporters. I have been so blessed to see the support of those who have been part of my life.
This year the walk is on May 6. Over the years we have walked in all types of weather conditions, from hot to almost tornadoes. Each year is memorable as we have many laughs and conversations on the walk.
Canada has one of the highest rate of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the world, with an estimated 1 in 340 Canadians living with the disease. While it is most often diagnosed in young adults aged 15 to 40, younger children and older adults are also diagnosed with the disease.
MS is currently classified as an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord). The disease attacks myelin, the protective covering of the nerves, causing inflammation and often damaging the myelin. Myelin is necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses through nerve fibres. If damage to myelin is slight, nerve impulses travel with minor interruptions; however, if damage is substantial and if scar tissue replaces the myelin, nerve impulses may be completely disrupted, and the nerve fibres themselves can be damaged. Learn more about MS
