Annual MS Walk in Cranbrook on Sunday, May 28

Cyndie Dilts, 50, was diagnosed with relapsing / remitting multiple sclerosis in 1993, now living with the disease for 24 years. This year marks the 14th time Cyndie will participate in MS Walk, supporting of Canadians living with MS.

Cyndie (pictured above centre) used to bike three miles to work and swim 10 hours a week. Today, MS has stolen that ability from Cyndie and she now finds herself, “not able to do what I want to do.” Cyndie was also a teacher before being diagnosed, something she describes as being “the toughest obstacle,” she has overcome.

“I feel okay about the future, but also I’m still a bit scared,” she explained. Despite her own fears and reservations Cyndie continues to support the MS Walk “for those who can’t.”

Her fondest memory of last year’s event was simply raising a substantial amount of money for MS research and support, ensuring that she’s making a difference.

When Cyndie was first diagnosed she was, “depressed, shocked, and embarrassed.” Today she exemplifies every characteristic of a strong and proud person, continuing to support MS Walk and hoping all those affected by MS, “have the chance to live again.”

Today, Cyndie works as the Facilitator for the MS Support Group at the Joseph Creek Care Home. “These people need a voice and they need someone to show them that they are not forgotten and that there is hope for them,” she explained.

Recently, the first Canadian MSSCAMS stem cells trial for MS was given a grant of $4.2M and Cyndie feels this provides all Canadians living with MS, “a hope for the future.” Cyndie has not given up hope or dreaming. One day she hopes to travel to Mexico to witness the Monarch Butterfly migration.

The MS Society of Canada will host its annual MS Walk in Cranbrook on Sunday, May 28. Funds raised at the MS Walk are dedicated to supporting groundbreaking, Canadian-led research as well as helping Canadians with MS live better until a cure is found.

Cranbrook MS Walk Committee

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