Finding Community Through MS Walk

James has been living with MS for nearly two decades and was diagnosed right before his son’s first birthday. What started with numbness, fatigue, and brain fog led to an MRI. The results were inconclusive, so James thought everything was ok. But when he applied for life insurance soon after, the insurance company came back with questions and said they needed more information about his MRI.  

“I was 25 years old, felt invincible, and really didn’t think there was anything wrong,” James shared. “I went in for another MRI with no other reason than to check a box and close the loop. When I met with my family doctor after, I thought it was just a formality. I never expected to be diagnosed with MS,” he said. Catching it early allowed James to start treatment right away, which he believes has helped keep him healthy all these years.

James’ diagnosis motivated him to get involved with MS Walk, where he could connect with others living with MS, raise awareness, and see the real impact of community support. 

“When I was diagnosed, I heard about the St. Paul MS Walk on the radio,” he said. “At first, it was just me, my wife, and immediate family participating, but friends and coworkers quickly joined. Our first year, we had 60 people on our team and raised over $20,000!” 

In the years since, James’ team has continued to expand, raising an average of $30,000 to $40,000 each year and sometimes as much as $80,000. What began as a small family effort quickly grew into something much larger. For James, MS Walk is about more than fundraising. “MS Walk is about community, connections, and seeing how funds raised make a difference,” he said. He describes MS Walk as an event that welcomes everyone, regardless of age or ability. “The events are designed to accommodate anyone, from children barely walking to wheelchair users,” he explained.

James believes the strength of MS Walk comes from the wide range of people who participate. Some attend because they live with MS. Others come as caregivers, family members, friends, or colleagues who want to show their support. There are also people who may not have a direct connection to MS but want to give back to their community.

Over the years, James has watched connections form and grow at MS Walk. “You might meet someone else living with MS, connect with a volunteer or a family member of someone living with MS. Maybe get inspired to volunteer or help organize the event the following year,” he said. 

Beyond MS Walk, James has also found creative ways to continue fundraising for Canadians affected by MS. Inspired by his family’s love of horses and winter sports, James started Skijoring for MS, an event where skiers or snowboarders are pulled by horses across the snow to raise funds in support of the MS community. Over the last four years, the event has raised over $100,000. “I knew if I was going to organize an event, it had to benefit the MS community. That’s always been my cause,” he said. 

James feels fortunate that his MS is manageable, and has learned how important it is to listen to his body, “I know the difference between being tired because I'm not sleeping or physically working too hard versus being tired because of MS. The MS fatigue is different. It comes out of nowhere and I can't push past it. When that happens, I don't fight it,” he shared.

He credits a lot of his strength to the support around him and says it’s hard to talk about without getting emotional, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without my wife and family,” he reflected. 

Looking ahead, James says the progress made in MS research and treatment since he was diagnosed gives him hope for the future, “We believe in the cause. We believe the funds we raise are going to fund a cure, and that they’re going to the right places—both supporting the MS community locally and funding MS research,” he said. 

“Nobody having MS ever again—can you imagine?” James said. “As long as I’m physically able, that’s what all of my passion and fundraising will go toward.” 

 Find Community Through MS Walk Like James and Register Today!