Walk to end multiple sclerosis raises over $150,000 in Regina

REGINA – Throughout the province, over 1700 people took to the streets in a walk to end multiple sclerosis (MS).

Saskatchewan has one of the highest rates (per capita) of the disease in the whole country, with over 3,500 people affected by the disease.

In Regina, approximately 500 people took part in a 6 km walk in support of the autoimmune disease.

It was a day to raise money for research but also to support individuals who live with MS every day.

“I was diagnosed in 2000.”

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Dennis Robinson has been living with multiple sclerosis for 16 years. When he was diagnosed, he thought his life was over.

“It was very scary. Your mind goes straight to disability right? But it’s not the case”, Robinson explained.

It’s why he’s now a positive face for MS, literally.

This patient advocate wants to show others that there are better ways to manage the day-to-day.

“Just our knowledge about MS. How we can better live with MS, like symptom management, wellness, programs”, Robinson said.

He said since his diagnosis over a decade ago, awareness of the disease has shifted.

“It’s a conversation that wasn’t happening and needs to happen”, Robinson said.

In the province, MS affects people ages 15-40 and women are diagnosed three times as much, compared to their male counterparts.

Over 55 teams are hoping to hit a total target of $170,000.

Team Awesome is the number one fundraising team this year, having raised over $22,000.