Raising the flag for MS Awareness Month

Kawartha Lakes – Kawartha Lakes will hold a flag raising on May 1 to show support and encouragement for those living with multiple sclerosis (MS) during MS Awareness Month.

MS is a neurological disease that affects the central nervous system and the way the brain sends signals to the rest of the body. Many people often experience symptoms for years before getting an official diagnosis, which means time spent without the answers, care, and community support they might need.

Many people with MS face delays in diagnosis because of low awareness and limited access to specialists. MS Awareness Month helps make people aware of those challenges and push for change.

MS Awareness Month includes Digital Carnation Pinning on May 6, World MS Day on May 30, and Canada-wide Community MS Walks on May 31.

The flag raising for MS Awareness will take place at City Hall (26 Francis Street, Lindsay), at 10:30am on Friday, May 1.

According to MS Canada

• Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world
• Over 90,000 Canadians are living with MS
• Every 2 hours, a Canadian is diagnosed with MS
• MS is not contagious or infectious
• Women are up to three times more likely to be diagnosed than men
• 60% of people diagnosed are between the ages of 20 and 49

MS affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It can cause symptoms like tiredness, trouble walking, numbness, vision problems, and memory or mood changes. Every person’s experience with MS is different.

“Awareness brings understanding, and understanding helps build support,” said Mayor Doug Elmslie. “This MS Awareness Month, we recognize the strength and resilience of those affected by multiple sclerosis. Together we commit to raising awareness, fostering understanding, and supporting one another every step of the way.”

Pin a digital carnation to show your support

On Wednesday May 6, show your support where everyone can see it and help remind every Canadian living with MS that they aren't alone. 

Joining the Digital Carnation Pinning is simple: download graphics from the MS Canada site and share them to your social channels, or print the poster, snap a selfie, and post it to your feed. 

Tag @mscanadaofficial and use the hashtag #TakeActionForMS so they can share your support and grow the movement together.

Every post is a signal to someone newly diagnosed, or still searching for answers, that an entire community stands behind them.

Learn more

MS Awareness Month is a time to share stories, raise awareness and push for change. To learn more about MS and how you can help, visit MS Canada.

Let’s work together to help everyone get the diagnosis and support they deserve.