In December of 2004 my mum suffered what was initially diagnosed as a stroke. It turned out to be Multiple Sclerosis.

Our family learned a lot that winter – about how quickly things can change, about how healthy people can be brought down by something so unexpected, about where exactly in a house a wheelchair cannot fit, about how the medical system does or does not work at a time when time itself is critical.

MS changed my mum, changed our family dynamics, and changed our outlook on life and perceptions of health. What it did not change was the determination and ability my mum has to be able. It’s been 2 1/2 years and she improves every day. She has been incredibly brave and incredibly resilient throughout this whole ordeal. Her determination to get better, the daily kindness and assistance from friends, members of the small island community where she lives and that of her husband are the reasons why she could leave the wheelchair behind and begin to regain her independence.

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system that affects the brain and spinal cord. The MS Society of Canada estimates that 55,000-75,000 Canadians have the illness with Canada being the highest risk area in the world. There is no cure for MS and the cause is not known.

On June 9th and 10th I’ll be taking part in the Rona MS Bike tour – riding 180 km from Airdrie to Olds in Alberta to raise money for MS research and services. If you are interested in making a donation to the MS Society of Canada by pledging me, visit this link.

To make a regular donation visit the donations page of the MS Society of Canada website.

To learn more about Multiple Sclerosis and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, visit their website.

My mum, pictured with me on the jacket flap of Pig in The Middle, a children’s book she authored and I illustrated prior to her illness.

….