What We Know About MS

While it is most often diagnosed in young adults, aged 15 to 40, we know that it affects children, some as young as two years old. The impact is felt by family, friends and by the community. MS is unpredictable, affecting vision, hearing, memory, balance and mobility. Its effects are physical, emotional, financial, and last a lifetime. There is no cure YET.


No one need face MS alone; the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is here to help. In communities across Canada, volunteers and staff provide information, support, educational events and other resources for people with MS and their families. Researchers funded by the MS Society are working to develop new and better treatments. Their ultimate goal is the cure for MS.


Did you know ...
Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world.
MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young adults in Canada.
Every day, three more people in Canada are diagnosed with MS.
Women are more than three times as likely to develop MS as men.
MS can cause loss of balance, impaired speech, fatigue and paralysis.
We don't know what causes MS but researchers are closer to finding the answer.

The Beginning

It all started back in October. I was cleaning out my inbox late one night and came across an email from Ironman introducing a new race in Louisville, Kentucky. I clicked on the link to have a look, instead of the usual sold out, it actually said accepting applications. I immediately click on the entry link and low and behold active.com was taking registrations for the race. I made a mad dash for my wallet, got out the visa card and I signed up. I received an official Ironman number and a confirmation of my entry with in a couple of minutes. Less than 24 hours later the race was sold out. Ironman events usually sell out on the first day of registration, typically the day after the race. Last year at Ironman Canada, people were literally finishing the race and turning around to line up to register in the morning for next year. They had so many people in line they relented and allowed anyone that finished automatic entry into this year’s event.I’ve never done an Ironman. I’ve done a half Ironman, many triathlons and 5k’s, 10k’s half marathons and runs, including a dozen marathons. Doing an Ironman has always been out there for me and it’s time.