Kira Goodrich of Fort Macleod plans to run 50 kilometres in May to raise money for the MS Society of Canada.
Fort Macleod’s Kira Goodrich is on a 50-kilometre journey in support of the MS Society.
Goodrich was inspired to fund-raise when a cousin was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord.
“I was inspired to fund raise for MS because about two years ago my cousin, Melissa, was diagnosed with the disease,” Goodrich said. “I’ve been very close with my cousin and this was a way for me to show her support.”
“Her diagnosis came shortly after the pandemic started, so it was especially difficult not being able to see her in person at that time.”
Canada has one of the highest MS rates in the world with 12 people diagnosed every day. Most people are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20 and 49.
The episodic autoimmune disease is most often diagnosed in adults, and 75 per cent are women.
The disease attacks myelin, the protective covering of the nerves, causing inflammation and often damaging the myelin.
Myelin is necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses through nerve fibres.
If damage to myelin is slight, nerve impulses travel with minor interruptions; however, if damage is substantial and if scar tissue replaces the myelin, nerve impulses may be completely disrupted, and the nerve fibres themselves can be damaged.
MS is unpredictable and may cause symptoms such as extreme fatigue, lack of coordination, weakness, tingling, impaired sensation, vision problems, bladder problems, cognitive impairment and mood changes.
Its effects can be physical, emotional and financial.
There is no cure, but each day researchers are learning more about what causes MS and are zeroing in on ways to prevent it.
Research has detected triggers, such as the Epstein-Barr virus but there is a need to accelerate the research to end MS.
MS Society representatives met earlier this month with more than 60 MPs on Parliament Hill to advocate for key priorities.
Those priorities include research, investing in MS care and housing, assisting employment and income security for people with the disease, and ensuring the more than 90,000 Canadians living with MS have access to treatment.
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada has set an $8-million fund-raising goal for May, which is MS Awareness Month.
The MS Society is encouraging Canadians to undertake their own fund-raiser, or to support ones they know about.
Goodrich plans to run 50 kilometres in May.
“I have been running outside on the walking paths, taking advantage of our beautiful river bottom,” Goodrich said. “My brother in-law, Aaron Brown, comes with me on my outside runs. He is an avid runner and pushes me to do my best.”
“I’ve also been putting in some time on the treadmill due to our ever-changing spring weather.”
Goodrich has been running five kilometres a day since January, so she was confident she could reach her 50-kilometre goal in May.
“Within the first 11 days of the challenge I ran 35 kilometres,” Goodrich said. “My family and I have a trip booked for the middle of May so my goal was to get the majority of the 50 kilometres done in the first two weeks. So far, things are going as planned.”
Goodrich set an initial fund-raising goal of $350, but she has already surpassed that by $10.
“I was unsure how much money I could be able to raise at first but within the first week I surpassed my $350 monetary goal and raised $360.”
Leading a fund-raiser is a new experience for Goodrich, but it’s one she is enjoying.
“I would like to make this an annual fund-raiser,” Goodrich said. “I like how I can raise money for the disease and also challenge myself to live a healthy lifestyle.”
To contribute to Kira Goodrich’s fund-raiser, visit https://www.themay50k.com/fundraisers/kiragoodrich.
