The Multiple Sclerosis Society (MSSA), inland branch, hosted a 2km awareness walk, which took place on 1 October with participants walking together for a great cause.
Vice chairperson of the MSSA inland branch, Ivan Stander said the condition is one that is not commonly known. “We need to spread awareness so people know what it’s all about,” he said.
The aim of the walk was to have people start talking about the condition. Through it, the society hopes that more people might volunteer their time and services to help those suffering from the illness. “It’s a very expensive disease; we work hard in assisting those who might not have enough funds and we have a grant system where we give people a monthly amount that is meant to assist them,” he explained.
The society expressed that multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, including the brain, optic nerves and spinal cord. The walk began and ended at the society’s offices in Sophiatown and participants walked around the block, either with their family or friends on a beautiful spring afternoon.
Stander pointed out that support from all those who participated was a great sight to behold.
He, too, has dealt with the condition for the past 16 years and shared that it completely changed his life. “Stress is one of the worst things to have when you have MS, because it could cause you to relapse and that could send you straight back to the hospital, so I try and live a stress-free life now that I’m retired.” He added that he had to stop working after being diagnosed, as his line of work was one that caused major stress.
Collin Kudare, a social worker at MSSA said the event was a total success. “We received a great amount of support from community members and we sincerely thank all those who could spend the day with us, and we also hope that more will join us on our next walk,” said Kudare.
The walk was the second of its kind and they hope to have more in various neighbourhoods.
Details: info@mssainland.org.za; 011 477 3540.
