During an overnight stop in Medicine Hat, MS Bike Across Canada cyclist Jonathan Allenger spent time exploring some of the city's scenic trails and chatting with locals.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
kking@medicinehatnews.com
While cycling across Canada to raise awareness of and support for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis, Jonathan Allenger made several stops in southeastern Alberta, including Medicine Hat and Irvine.
After being diagnosed in 2013 with MS, an autoimmune disease affecting nerves in the brain and spine, Allenger began cycling as a way to stay active and combat symptoms, as well as anxiety his diagnosis produced.
Over the past 10 years, Allenger has participated in several MS bike fundraising rides in his home province of Ontario, alongside other cyclists living with MS.
This year however, the 39-year-old father decided to challenge himself, and hopefully inspire others, by completing a cross-Canada fundraiser ride in the hopes of raising awareness, as well as $1 million to support the estimated 90,000 Canadians living with MS.
“This is about raising awareness (but it’s also) a journey of hope,” Allenger told the News on Thursday during a quick break at the Alberta-Saskatchewan border. “We’re looking to meet people on #JourneyWithJonathan (and) bring hope to Canadians who are challenged by this diagnosis.”
Allenger has three main messages he hopes to share through his efforts.
“The message to people with MS is that, just because you have MS, that doesn’t mean it’s the end – it can be the beginning of your journey. Dream big, because if you dream big, big things can happen. To the MS community and the support network, the message is that not everyone with MS has visible symptoms and the mental health side of MS is real, so it’s important to know the signs and, if you know someone with MS, to reach out to them and make sure that they’re doing OK. And for employers, the message is that the MS diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean a need for change; what it really requires is a conversation about support. People with MS just need to be adequately supported in their roles and in their careers.”
Not yet two weeks into his journey, Allenger has raised more than $63,000 and still has a month-plus to go before reaching the last spot on his route, St. John’s, Nfld.
While Allenger remains focused on his goal, he is enjoying the added benefit of travelling through parts of Canada he’s not yet visited, like southeast Alberta.
During an overnight stop in Medicine Hat on Wednesday, Allenger got to tour a small portion of the city. He said he was taken aback by its natural beauty.
He also met with residents of the region, whom he said were welcoming and kind, a theme carrying through to his Thursday lunch stop in Irvine.
“We like chatting with Canadians and hearing their stories, and it’s been a real fun time doing that here in this neck of the woods,” said Allenger.
More information about the #JourneyWithJonathan fundraiser ride, can be found on msbikeacrosscanada.ca, including ways to support.
