Raylyn Bambrough, 15, took to the stage Sunday at the annual MS walk to tell the story of her and her mother.
Two years ago, Bambrough’s mother Lindsay was diagnosed with MS after a long time living undiagnosed.
“For as long as I can remember, my mom has always had unexplainable medical issues with her body,” Bambrough told the crowd. “Everything changed when she was diagnosed. When I was a kid, we used to do everything like travelling for sports, making memories … After her diagnosis, this all got harder. It's almost at the point where it's impossible to do any of that.”
Still in her teens, Bambrough said that she has had to take up more responsibility and work hard to support not only her mother, but the other people around her.
Through all the hardship she and her mother have had to face, Bambrough remains positive.
“I'm thankful to have a mom who cares, a life full of people who want to help us, and a family that is committed to make it the other side stronger because of our struggles.”
The annual MS Walk was held at the trail behind the Stratford Perth Museum.
The MS Walk is a community-driven fundraiser for those who are affected by multiple sclerosis, otherwise known as MS.
Jamie Cottle, host of the morning show at 107.1 CJCS, hosted the opening remarks of the walk. He thanked the crowd for attending the second year of the back in-person event.
“By taking part in the MS Walk,” Cottle said. “You are contributing to the collective power of more than 8,000 people across Canada who have raised millions of dollars to help Canadians affected by MS.”
Lindsey Martchenko, the organizer of the Walk, added to Cottle’s remarks, reiterating the importance of a day dedicated to raising money for the disease – especially in Canada. According to MS Canada, over 90,000 Canadians live with MS. About twelve Canadians are diagnosed with MS everyday.
“Today we’ll walk united as a community to Canadians affected by MS – that they won’t face this alone,” Martchenko said.
The total amount raised, as of the end of the walk, is over $35,000, though Martchenko reassured that there’s still four weeks left to raise money.