Year 2008 was a momentous one at the
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. Marking
our 60th anniversary, our mission to end MS and
enhance the quality of life for Canadians living with this
disease, reminds us about significant moments in
history.
Much like the often cited 1962 “Moon Speech”
delivered by then American President John F. Kennedy,
ending MS is a challenge which invites vision,
leadership and our unwillingness to postpone the pace
of discovery. It is about making the impossible possible.
In 2008, we officially launched the endMS campaign, a
bold movement to raise $60 million for MS research
and to accelerate Canada’s contribution to the pace of
discovery of MS research in the world.
Throughout the year, we embarked on several
important initiatives. We introduced Momentum 2015,
a strategic plan created in consultation with divisions,
chapters and key stakeholders across the country. In
Montreal, Canada played host to the World Congress
on Research and Treatment in MS; and, in conjunction
with the Congress, the MS Society presented “Living
with MS Day,” an educational forum for people living
with MS.
We continued to play a leadership role in funding
leading MS research and celebrated all advances,
including the discovery linking pediatric MS to vitamin
D that garnered national media attention. Millions
experienced the endMS.ca public awareness campaign
through media outreach and generously donated
advertising space. In Quebec, division staff worked
tirelessly to become the first province to ensure that Tysabri, a new disease modifying therapy, would be
reimbursed by the provincial drug benefit program.
Supporters and communities across Canada have
worked together, helping to set new fundraising
records and joining in the movement to end MS.
Fundraising events such as the MS Walk, RONA MS
Bike Tour, MS Read-A-Thon and the MS Carnation Campaign raised over $29 million in 2008.
Furthermore, volunteers and top fundraisers like Julia
Daniluck, represent how one person can make a
difference. Diagnosed with MS at the age of 19, Julia
who is now 25 not only serves as a member of the
Edmonton Chapter board of directors, but she and
her team have already raised $186,000 since her
involvement with the MS Society began.
While the current global financial downturn has
become a priority issue for people all over the world,
the impact to Canadians and those living with MS is
still unknown. The MS Society is optimistic and will
remain responsive, prudent and fiscally strong in the
year ahead. More importantly, our mission to end MS
continues to be fueled by the commitment, generosity
and good will of all our board members, participants,
donors, sponsors, volunteers and staff who contribute
to the cause in so many ways.
