A great man by the name of Mark Twain once said “It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare.” Courage is the strength to stand above the call of duty and help others when needed. This is why we are thankful for all the people who donated to The MS Society in the past year. Until there is a cure, your contribution will help improve the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis, in your own community.

We hope that, both, new and old donors, will be courageous enough to open their hearts towards The MS Society and continue to fight for a cure. A simple donation to The MS Society, Waterloo District Chapter, will go a long way towards improving the lives of those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Mark Twain believed that moral courage was rare among people in society, let’s change this idea by helping others who are in need. So donate today, and make a difference in your community.

Multiple sclerosis is an extremely complex, and often crippling disease, that has plagued not only Canadians, but others worldwide. Although scientists, have yet to determine a cause of multiple sclerosis, scientists have been able to link it the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is the protective material that surrounds the messaging system that links the spinal column, to the brain and the rest of the body. Multiple sclerosis is often diagnosed in young adults, aged 15 to 40, but it has been discovered in children as young as two. The results of multiple sclerosis impacts family, friends, and the community. The effects of multiple sclerosis are often unpredictable, and can result in vision, hearing, memory, balance and mobility impairment. The effects are not only physical but also emotional and financial. Unfortunately, the burden of this illness can have a lasting impact on patients, not only because the effects last a life time, but also because there is no cure.

Did you know ...

Canadians have one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world.

MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young adults in Canada.

Every day, three more people in Canada are diagnosed with MS.

Women are more than three times as likely to develop MS as men.MS can cause loss of balance, impaired speech, extreme fatigue, double vision and paralysis.

MS was first identified and described by a French neurologist, Dr. Jean-Martin Charcot, in 1868.

We don't know what causes MS but researchers are closer to finding the answer.

 

The Multiple Sclerosis Society, often simply called the MS Society, was founded in 1948 as a not-for-profit organization with a dual goal: to be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and enabling people affected by multiple sclerosis to enhance their quality of life.The majority of funds collected are contributed by tens of thousands of dedicated individuals, companies and foundations in communities across Canada. The MS Society has a set of values that they uphold in the highest regard. These goals are:

Donations of varying size by a variety of people are what keep The MS Society on track to help individuals live better lives with multiple sclerosis.

1. We believe in and work toward the full integration of people with multiple sclerosis in all aspects of life. 2. We keep those affected by MS at the centre of our work at every level of the organization. 3. We treat everyone with respect and dignity, and protect their privacy and rights to make decisions about their lives. 4. We provide meaningful benefit to the greatest possible number of people affected by MS. 5. We give hope to people affected by multiple sclerosis. 6. We acknowledge the grassroots of our organization as one of its greatest strengths. 7. We recognize that volunteers, donors, and employees are critical to our success, and we celebrate their commitment. 8. We demonstrate ethical behavior and integrity. 9. We adhere to the highest standards of quality, transparency, and accountability. 10.We create safe and collaborative environments that foster positive relationships. Donations of varying size by a variety of people are what keep The MS Society on track to find 

The MS Society continues to look to people for donations. Each donation goes towards the aid of people who suffer from multiple sclerosis. A donation of any size is graciously appreciated and goes towards giving someone within your community a chance at a better life. All donations will go towards helping those in the Waterloo and surrounding regions affected by this disease live a better life Donations can be made by visiting us online at http://mssociety.ca/en/give/default.htm. The courage to act today will help people tomorrow. Please show your courage by donating today to help make someone who struggles with multiple sclerosis have a chance to live a better life.

Looking for a way to help the MS Society? Build up the courage to contribute by looking at some of our excellent events we provide:

Freedom Ride to find MS: The Freedom Ride is an event for people to show their support for the MS Society by riding their motorcycles. The ride gives riders the ability to show off their motorcycles while supporting a good cause.

MS Walk:The MS Walk is a critical part of the Society’s fundraising efforts. The donations provided by this significant program go towards providing better lives for people with multiple sclerosis. The MS Walk is a Canada wide event that anyone can sign up for. The MS Walk provides an opportunity for people in Canada to support people with multiple sclerosis, and provided them with a better life.

Fall Fantasy Fashion Show: The Fall Fantasy Fashion Show showcases women modeling clothing and accessories within the Waterloo area. This provides you with an opportunity to look at great fashion and drink champagne while supporting people who suffer from multiple sclerosis.