They walked and strolled, they ran and rode.
And when they were done, they had raised $35,640 for multiple sclerosis research.
The annual Comox Valley Scotiabank MS Walk went Sunday morning (April 19) at the Courtenay Airpark, with over 100 walkers taking part. "(It) was was fantastic," said Cherie Kamenz, fundraising co-ordinator for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, North Vancouver Island Chapter. "One-hundred-and-four walkers registered, but many more than that turned out for the event."
Top fundraisers this year were Andrea Martin $6,260, Grace Willis $3,245 and Wendy Merrick $2,535. Martin, who has MS, has raised more than $110,000 for the MS Walk over the past 10 years.
The event began with a warm-up, which even members of the 386 Komox Air Cadets band participated in. The band led the event off, followed by a pair of runners and then the remainder of the participants, many accompanied by their canine companions.
The sunny weather, snacks, music and blossoming plants at the Comox Valley Rhododendron Garden made for a great starting point.
Last year, the Comox Valley Scotiabank MS Walk raised $37,527. Proceeds from the event stay with the Vancouver Island Chapter of the MS Society of Canada.
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often debilitating disease of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). MS can affect vision, hearing, memory, balance, coordination and mobility. Its effects are physical, emotional, financial, and last a lifetime.