Cyclists ride in two-day event to raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis
Over 160 people will cycle from Ottawa to Brockville this weekend to raise awareness and funds for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Kyla Arsenault, senior director of community fundraising for the MS Society of Canada, told The Sam Laprade Show on Aug. 19 that the two-day ride is 85 kilometres both ways.
“It's remarkable how much stamina some of these cyclists have,” Arsenault said, adding that the fundraiser is more inclusive than competitive, with people with MS and anyone interested allowed to join on an e-bike or be driven along the way.
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“Even though it has a really good long distance, cyclists are really in it to celebrate the fundraising and to bring more awareness to what MS is,” she said.
MS is a neurological disease affecting thinking, balance, bladder and bowel control. Often, the first symptoms are numbness and tingling in the hands or a loss of balance, she explained.
“Ninety thousand Canadians have MS, and it’s not really well spoken about,” she said. “I think for a lot of years, there's been some stigma around it because people are afraid that, you know, maybe their employers won't think they can do a good job.”
The fundraising goal is to reach $360,000, and donations are accepted on the MS Canada website.
Listen to the full interview with Kyla Arsenault below:
