Each Spring, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada gears up its largest fundraising initiative of the year, the MS Walk.
 
With over 70,000 participants and volunteers last year, the event will take place across Canada on Sunday, April 18th, 2010 with proceeds from the event supporting the MS Society’s national research program – as well as a number of services that assist people living with MS.
 
In lieu of the walk, we spoke with 24 year old participant, Kailley Sweet about her experience participating in the walk, why it’s close to her heart and how you can help to make a difference.
 
 
 
Kailley, tell us a bit about the MS Walk.
 
The MS Walk is the Society’s largest fundraising event. It involves over 70,000 participants and volunteers, and takes place in communities from coast-to-coast in the spring and early fall.
 
I will be walking in the New Tecumseth MS Walk in Alliston on Sunday, April 18th 2010. Participants have the option of walking 5 km or 10 km and I will be walking in the 10 km.
 
 
What has your experience been like in previous years participating in the MS Walk?
 
This is my second year participating in the MS Walk. I walk for the thousands of Canadian’s that have MS, but I also walk in honor of my Mom who has been battling MS since her early twenties. I know that if my Mom were able to she would be walking right by my side, but unfortunately her health no longer allows her to do so.
 
Last year’s experience was very rewarding for me. It’s an amazing feeling to know that you are making a difference in the life of others. For myself, I had a great satisfaction knowing how proud my Mom would be of me.
 
Last year I walked as an individual, this year I put a team of amazing girls together; our team is called “Joy’s Girls”.
 
 
What do you hope to achieve through this year’s MS Walk?
 
I know that this year whatever I am able to raise makes a huge difference for someone living with Multiple Sclerosis. My goal is to spread the word and to make people more aware.
 
 
Upon completion of the walk, do you have short-term goals for MS fundraising?
 
I would like to be able to raise money and awareness for MS where ever I can.
 
This year I ran the MS Read-A-Thon at my school, the results were amazing and the students had so much fun. I will continue to participate in the walk every year as well as run the reading program at my school. I also recently signed up to volunteer with the MS society at different fundraising events. Wherever I can help, I will!
 
 
To this point, what has the support been like from the GTA community for your program?
 
I’m very thankful. I have had a tremendous amount of support from family, friends and people in the community.
 
 
Is there any other information you would like to mention?
 
Information about Multiple Sclerosis and the MS Read-A-Thon can be found on the MS society of Canada website.
 
If you wish to pledge to my team, it can be done on the MS Canada website… It’s easy to do. Just type in my name “kailley sweet” under pledge a walker and make a donation.
 
I also have a facebook page “a walk for Joy 2010″ that will provide more information.
 
 
For more information about the MS Walk, how you can become a participant or make a donation to Joy’s Girls please visit: http://www.mssociety.ca/en/events/default.htm
 
To see Kailley’s Facebook page, please visit here:Joy’s Girls
 
 
Exercise Toronto.com Staff