Not Taking the Good Days for Granted: Janice's May 50K Motivation

When Janice thinks about the biggest lesson living with MS has taught her, it’s to not take a good day, week, or month for granted. “Things can change quickly," Janice shared. "I’ve learned to appreciate the moments when I feel well and to make the most of them. I’ve also learned a lot about balance, resilience, and the importance of being kind to myself." 

That positive outlook motivated Janice to get involved with The May 50K. The flexibility of The May 50K was appealing to Janice and gave her a way to support the community and raise awareness close to home.

The May 50K has had an impact on Janice’s MS journey and created opportunities she didn’t expect. "By taking part and helping spread awareness, it’s allowed others to see that I'm living with MS, and I've had people reach out to me with questions as they go through their own diagnosis," Janice says. "It’s opened the door to important conversations that might not have happened otherwise. I’ve heard many stories from people who have family or friends living with MS and it’s made me feel more connected to the wider MS community." 

When Janice was diagnosed with MS in 2018, she had no idea what it would mean for her future. "It was a scary time filled with many unknowns," she says. "MS was a disease I had heard of, but I knew very little about it, and receiving that diagnosis brought a lot of uncertainty." 

Over the years, she’s experienced a range of symptoms, including vision problems, muscle weakness, fatigue, numbness and tingling, and cognitive and speech challenges. “Some of my symptoms are visible and some aren’t, which has shown me how complex and unpredictable life with MS can be,” Janice noted. “Living with these challenges has shaped my perspective and strengthened my appreciation for resilience, awareness, and support. I’ve learned to be patient with myself and to give myself permission to take breaks when I need them. Understanding why certain symptoms happen has helped me approach them with more acceptance instead of fear.”

Living with MS has shaped how Janice approaches The May 50K. "I don't take for granted that I'm able to complete it, because I know many people living with MS face mobility challenges," Janice explained. "That awareness makes the experience even more meaningful and motivates me to participate in whatever way I can." 

"I’m also inspired by the importance of research and how prominent MS is in Canada," she added. "MS touches families and communities in every part of the country and it makes me want to contribute in a meaningful way and be part of supporting progress toward better treatments and ultimately, a cure." 

Janice usually walks for The May 50K, but this year, she's thinking about trying to get some of her kilometres in by running. "It feels like a personal challenge and a reflection of how I continue to grow and push myself while supporting a cause that means so much to me," she shared. 

Janice doesn't do it alone. Her May 50K team includes her husband and friends who have joined over the years, along with one very special supporter. "I have an unofficial team member, my four-year-old daughter, who often joins in for a few kilometres throughout the month," she says. "Having that support behind me means a lot. Committing 50 kilometres in a month isn't always easy, so I truly appreciate all of the encouragement and support we receive along the way."

For Janice, showing up every May comes down to the commitment she's made to the people who support her. "I want to honour their support and make sure I follow through on my goal of reaching 50 kilometres of movement," she says. "I'm motivated by the desire to spread awareness and continue advocating for people living with MS. Being able to contribute in that way gives real purpose to the challenge and keeps me going.” 

One moment from last year’s May 50K challenge stands out above the rest. "My daughter walked alongside me during the 49th kilometre and we finished the 50th together," Janice reflects. "It was definitely a highlight for me. Meeting that challenge with her by my side motivated me to go even further and complete 100 kilometres last year. It turned into something even bigger than I expected, both personally and as a family experience." 

Janice’s daughter is her biggest motivation to keep going. "She reminds me every day why this matters. Not just for me, but for the future of everyone living with MS. Events like The May 50K give me hope. It’s encouraging to see how many people want to create change and move us closer to a cure."