Caitlin's Story

Terri and Caitlin Kernaghan With two healthy and active sons at home, Terri and Paul Kernaghan were very excited when a new baby girl, Caitlin, rounded out their family in 1996. After seven years of enjoying an active and healthy family, things started to change. Always vibrant, Caitlin started to show unexplainable signs of illness. "She complained about having headaches every day for two weeks," remembers Terri. Caitlin was also experiencing loss of appetite, upset stomach and suffered from urine retention. Her symptoms included arm tremors stiffness in her neck and the loss of sight, which was eventually regained.

MS can start early

Most often diagnosed in young adults, MS is found in children as young as three.

In Canada, 45-55 children are diagnosed with MS every year and, in 2004, eight-year-old Caitlin was one of them. That was the start of the Kernaghan's journey of discovery. The more they learned about the unpredictable and devastating effects of the disease, the more they realized they had to do everything they could to help put an end to MS.

This led to the Kernaghan's involvement with the MS Society and their commitment to help find a cure, raise awareness and ensure Caitlin enjoys her childhood. Along with support from the Pediatric MS Clinic at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children, Caitlin and her family rely on information and services from the MS Society's Hamilton Chapter.

MS lasts a lifetime

The effects of MS are unpredictable. There are treatments, but no cure — yet.

"The Hamilton Chapter has been great with us," says Terri. "We have a real connection with them." The chapter helped send Caitlin to special events with other children and their families and subsidized her attendance at a Girl Guide Camp, though an attack prevented Caitlin from going. But MS hasn't stopped this lively 10-year-old from fighting for her health. Caitlin's situation has inspired the entire family to play an active role in finding a cure. That includes joining the Super Cities WALK as Caitlin's Crusaders – a dynamic fundraising machine. "We are hoping with us doing this, more people will want to give money to the MS Society and find a cure in Caitlin's lifetime," Terri says. "It's not just an adult disease."