The Drumheller and Area Chapter Multiple Sclerosis Society held its appreciation night on Thursday, November 17, at Whifs Flap Jack House. Attendees were treated to a dinner generously provided by Whifs.
The night was also an occasion to welcome the new MS Walk coordinator Dianne Snyder.
Dave Watson, who had previously coordinated the MS Walk, stepped down after years of dedication to help raise funds for MS research.
The Enerflex MS Walk is the main fundraiser for the MS Society and it accounts for nearly all of the money raised.
A portion of the money raised goes to research, but the majority stays in Drumheller to provide assistance to those with MS. There are roughly 75 people in the valley with the disease.
Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological disease where the body’s own immune system attacks the insulating sheaths around nerve cells. A wide range of physical and cognitive symptoms can accompany the disease. So far, the cause is unknown.
Alberta has the highest incidence of MS in the world.
The next Enerflex MS Walk will be held on May 6, 2012. Donations or sponsoring teams can be done through www.mswalks.ca.
“The research keeps getting closer and closer to finding a cure,” said Deb Wynia, a member of the MS Society.
