Rollerblading with Purpose: Sydney’s May 50K Journey for MS

“For the past three years, I’ve rollerbladed throughout the month of May for The May 50K. What started as a personal challenge has become something much bigger. It connects me to my community, reflects my values, and honours people I care deeply about. 

I signed up for The May 50K in support of my partner’s uncle. Despite the fatigue, pain, and challenges that come with MS, Billy continues to give so much to others. He’s one of the most generous people I know, always helping and always kind. I wanted to do something that would reflect his strength and show support for him and the MS community. 

In my first year participating, I rollerbladed just over 100 kilometres. Last year, I reached 129.46. I’ve been increasing my distance each time, and this year I’m aiming to go even further. I grew up playing hockey, so being on rollerblades feels natural and it’s the closest thing to being on skates during the off-season.

I juggle three jobs; I fish, coach hockey, and in August, I’ll be starting medical school. Life is busy, but I always make time for The May 50K. I believe in this cause. I believe in showing up for people who live with MS and making sure they know they’re not alone.

Through Billy and his family, I’ve seen what MS can look like day-to-day. The exhaustion that doesn’t go away, the pain, and the way small tasks can suddenly become overwhelming. That’s why I fundraise and spread awareness. I want people to know more about MS, and I want to help fund research for better treatments and a cure one day. 

The May 50K isn’t just about raising funds. It’s also about connection. Every year while I’m rollerblading, people stop to ask what I’m doing. Some of them donate, and others share their own stories. I’ve had people honk and wave or even pull over just to chat. Those conversations stick with me. They turn a solo challenge into something that feels shared. 

And I’m not really doing it alone. My best friend Jenna and I team up as the “MS Bladers.” We make it fun by wearing matching outfits and reflective gear. We try to keep the vibe light while still staying focused on why we’re doing it. It’s just the two of us, but we’ve created a little tradition that I look forward to every May. 

We each have our own reasons for getting involved. Jenna participates in memory of her great-aunt Vickie. I do it for Billy and everyone else living with MS. We’ve both seen how MS affects not just individuals, but families too. This is our way of helping, even if it’s a few kilometres at a time. It all adds up!

What makes The May 50K special to me is the way it gets people talking. It gives them a reason to care. I’ve had so many conversations with people who didn’t know what MS was until I shared Billy’s story. That kind of awareness matters. It builds understanding and support in places where there wasn’t any before. 

I grew up in Georgetown, a small town in Prince Edward Island. It’s the kind of place where people look out for one another. That sense of community is something I carry with me, and it’s a big part of why I keep doing this. I believe small acts of kindness and commitment can make a difference. For me, rollerblading in May is one of those acts. 

I plan to keep going every year. I want to increase my distance, raise more awareness, and keep having those important conversations. The May 50K is about movement, community, and purpose. It reminds me I can be part of something meaningful—and that together, we’re pushing toward a future with better outcomes for everyone affected by MS. 

Until there’s a cure, I’ll keep rollerblading.” 

Join Sydney in the fight to end MS and sign up for The May 50K! 

Register today!

Roll, paddle, swim, walk, run, bike—do any activity you want throughout the month of May. There are so many ways you can get your 50km in!