Every step that Joan McFarlane-Rolfs takes in the annual MS Walk is an important one, since it helps raise money to research multiple sclerosis, and find a cure.
Every step that Joan McFarlane-Rolfs takes in the annual MS Walk is an important one, since it helps raise money to research multiple sclerosis, and find a cure. Her children, Brian and Cheryl, were diagnosed with MS, and to support their struggles, Joan has participated in MS Walks for over 20 years.
Brian was diagnosed in 1992, at the age of 33, and Joan participated in her first MS Walk one year later. "For Brian, his biggest struggle was his eyesight. He had double vision and actually couldn't work for seven months because of the eye problems."
Cheryl was then diagnosed in 2001, at the age of 38. "For Cheryl, the MS had affected her legs so bad that she had real difficulties walking."
"I want to help find a cure for MS, so my children can live a reasonable life."
When Joan first started participating in the MS Walk, she drove up to Regina. "As soon as Weyburn started having a MS Walk, I was able to do them here," said McFarlane-Rolfs.
"It is a short, nice and enjoyable walk," she added. The MS Walk in Weyburn, which will be held on Sunday, May 25, goes down Saskatchewan Drive into the Souris Valley Grounds, and then turns down the Tatagwa Parkway, to Scott Street. It starts and ends at the Weyburn Comp.
"I think the MS Walk is important because people don't like going door-to-door to canvass anymore, so this is a different way to raise money," said Joan.
Over the years, Joan has raised over $25,000 for MS research, and many years was the top fundraiser at the event. "The money raised for MS, the majority of those funds is going to research, and helping the people who have MS."
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system, which is composed of the brain and spinal cord. The disease attacks the myelin which is a protective covering wrapped around the nerves of the central nervous system.
Every year over 40,000 Canadians in more than 160 communities across our country lace up at the MS Walk to raise vital funds for people living with MS.
Currently there are five teams, and 39 walkers registered for the Weyburn MS Walk. More teams and walkers are always welcome.
For more information, or to register, residents can contact Michelle Craigen, the Weyburn Rotary Club or email weyburnmswalk@live.com.
