Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the world, with an estimated 90,000 Canadians currently living with the disease. On average, 12 people in Canada are diagnosed with MS every day. The chronic autoimmune condition affects the central nervous system—specifically the brain and spinal cord—with symptoms ranging from fatigue and muscle stiffness to numbness, tingling, and vision problems.
On Sunday, May 25, starting at 10 a.m. in Kildonan Park, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada will host its annual MS Walk. The event is more than a fundraiser—it's a celebration of strength, solidarity and hope. Funds raised go toward MS research and vital support services for people affected by the disease.
Personal stories and community support
Manon Lesage Fillion, who lives with MS and serves as a community spokesperson, shared her journey during a recent interview with Classic 107. Although she was diagnosed in 2023, her symptoms began in 2018 with numbness in her right hand. Several years and many tests later, a diagnosis was confirmed. Despite daily numbness and increasing fatigue, she continues to stay active—including hiking the Mantario Trail—and participates in the walk with her team, “Manon & Crew.”
MS damages the myelin sheath, the protective layer around nerves, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms. Lesions—visible as white spots on MRIs—can develop in the brain and spinal cord. The disease is different for everyone, with a wide range of symptoms and progression rates.
Mona Bates, Senior Director of Community for the Prairie Region with the MS Society, says events like the walk are key to building a sense of community and raising awareness. “There’s such a sense of community when everybody comes together,” she said. “People see each other year over year—it just happens very organically.”
A walk for everyone
Planning for the MS Walk is nearly a year-round effort. Once one walk wraps up, preparation for the next begins as early as September. The event includes family-friendly activities, music, and food—creating a welcoming, upbeat atmosphere. This year’s walk includes a new 1-kilometre route in addition to the standard 2K and 4K options, ensuring more people can take part regardless of ability.
Participants can register at www.mscanada.ca and raise funds individually or as part of a team. Many use social media or workplace bulletin boards to share their fundraising links. There are incentive tiers, including T-shirts, water bottles, and hoodies for those who reach fundraising milestones. Special shirts are also available for participants living with MS.
Funds raised support not only research, but also direct services. One example is the MS Society’s Quality of Life Grant, which offers up to $1,000 annually to help with mobility aids or home modifications. The MS Navigators program provides guidance and support for people newly diagnosed or navigating treatment decisions.
Why it matters
For Lesage Fillion, participating in the walk is a no-brainer. “Why not support this community and come for a beautiful walk in a beautiful park?” she said.
Bates adds that with Canada’s high rate of MS, the chances of knowing someone affected by the disease are high. “It makes the lived experience community feel so supported when they see others rallying around them,” she said.
With activities for kids, a festive atmosphere, and a strong sense of purpose, the MS Walk continues to be a cornerstone event for the community. As Bates puts it, “It’s a win-win: you’re giving back, getting some exercise, and spending time in community.”
The MS Walk offers a powerful opportunity to show support, build community, and help fund critical research that could one day lead to a cure. This year’s Winnipeg MS Walk takes place Sunday, May 26 at Kildonan Park, with check-in starting at 10 a.m. and the walk kicking off at 11:00 a.m. Whether you're walking for yourself, a loved one, or simply to make a difference, every step counts.