Sunday’s walk for MS marks a decade of raising money, support and awareness in Medicine Hat

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on May 22, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Medicine Hat Jayman BUILT MS Walk, which aims to shine a light for those affected by multiple sclerosis.

On Sunday, residents will meet in Strathcona Island Park starting at 10 a.m. for check-in, followed by the walk beginning an hour later. This will be one of many walks throughout Canada, all with the same goal of moving closer to a world without MS.

The funds raised by the walk will help improve the lives of people living with MS, regardless of where they live, through a variety of support and wellness programs, research breakthroughs and advocacy, says MS Canada.

“Canadians affected by MS are at the heart of our work. Whether they live with MS themselves or know someone who does, we are all touched by this disease,” said Nicole Sullivan, director of community fundraising at MS Canada.

She expressed a gratitude to Jayman BUILT for the longstanding partnership, which helps to make the event possible and raise funds, awareness and a sense of community for those with MS and their loved ones.

More than 90,000 Canadians live with MS, with approximately 12 more diagnosed every day. MS is a neurological disease of the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Symptoms of it can include fatigue, problems with balance, weakness, sensory changes such as tingling and numbness, vision problems and many others.

“This year, we celebrate a decade of support for all Canadians living with MS, and we are incredibly proud of the way our community has consistently shown up for the MS community by participating and volunteering,” said Nicole Westman-Jones, chief brand and culture officer at Jayman BUILT.

“At Jayman BUILT we believe in supporting initiatives in the communities where we live, work and play,” said Westman-Jones. “The Medicine Hat Jayman BUILT MS Walk is a great way to have a meaningful impact on the lives of all Canadians who are impacted by MS, both directly and indirectly.”

To register for the event, volunteer, donate or simply learn more about the event or MS, those interested can visit mswalks.ca.

“By working together, we are moving closer towards a world free of MS,” said Sullivan.

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