My wife was diagnosed with MS in 2001, and since that time I’ve watched as sports we used to be active in disappeared from her life. Skiing, bike riding, hiking, and even taking walks for any great distance are no longer possible for us to do together.
I’ve participated and fundraised in the MS Walk since 2003 and when I was introduced to the MS Climb team last summer I immediately signed on for this year. I’m challenging myself to hike to Everest Base Camp in October, and to raise in excess of $20,000 for the MS Society, with the firm belief that a cure will be found in the near future.
The effect that high altitude has on the body is similar in many respects to symptoms people with MS experience. For the more than 75,000 Canadians who live with MS daily, my discomforts for a couple of weeks will seem minor. My difficulty with walking, stamina, sleeping, breathing, mental tasks, and general discomfort are something they deal with everyday. The only difference is that when I come back the symptoms will disappear.
So that’s my goal! To trek to Mount Everest Basecamp, then come back and regain my health, and to be a part in finding a cure to help people with MS regain their health.
I challenge you to join me in this adventure as a fellow climber, a supporter, or as a helper in my fundraising efforts.
Thank you. Together we can End MS!
