Turning Grief into Action with MS Bike

“Growing up with a parent living with MS was challenging, but it also shaped my perspective in many ways. I was only four years old when my dad was diagnosed, so MS has always been part of my reality—something I accepted as normal.  

As I grew older and my dad’s MS progressed, I became more aware of changes in his mobility and mental health. I learned early on that MS is unpredictable and affects everyone differently. When my mother-in-law was diagnosed with MS in 2001, it deepened my understanding of the disease and its impact. Watching two people I love navigate its unpredictable course has shown me that MS is more than just a physical condition—it affects emotions, relationships, and daily life in ways that are often difficult to explain. Their journeys have reinforced the importance of raising awareness through events like MS Bike. 

MS Bike represents hope and action. It’s an opportunity to honour my dad’s journey and support my mother-in-law, as well as the thousands of Canadians living with MS. I decided to participate in my first MS Bike to pay tribute to my dad’s fight. Seeing him struggle daily with MS was difficult, and I wanted to do something meaningful—something that could help others facing similar challenges. 

Riding in my first MS Bike event in Hinton, just months after my dad passed away, was incredibly emotional. But it was also the closest I’d felt to him since his passing. At the time, I was still processing my grief, and the event became a way to honour his memory. When I signed up that winter, I told my dad, 'I’m doing this for you!' The ride was physically demanding, but it felt like a tribute to his strength and resilience. Every kilometre I rode reflected the challenges he faced, turning my grief into a powerful and personal way to continue his fight. 

Attending MS Bike fills me with a mix of emotions—hope, gratitude, and determination. There’s a sense of solidarity that's hard to put into words. Surrounded by others who share a common purpose, I feel connected and uplifted. MS Bike is more than just an event; it’s a movement toward a future where MS no longer has a strong grip on people’s lives. 

Participating in MS Bike has given me purpose. It’s helped transform the grief and helplessness I felt after my dad’s passing into something positive and impactful. It’s reinforced the importance of community support and advocacy, making MS Bike not just a fundraiser, but a platform for raising awareness and fostering understanding. It’s deepened my empathy and strengthened my appreciation for the resilience of those living with MS. 

Through MS Bike, I’ve formed meaningful connections that go beyond the ride itself. One of the most impactful aspects has been meeting other riders who share similar experiences. Growing up, I often felt alone in having a parent living with MS. These connections have reminded me that I’m not alone—that there’s a community of people who understand the struggles, frustrations, and victories that come with MS. These shared experiences have created a sense of understanding that’s hard to find elsewhere. 

My favourite part of MS Bike is the sense of community and shared determination (and the great food doesn’t hurt!). It’s inspiring to see so many individuals, each with their personal reason for being there. I especially love the moments during the ride when participants encourage and support one another. Those small acts of kindness remind me that we’re all in this together, riding for a common cause. 

Crossing the finish line is always an emotional experience for me. There’s a deep sense of accomplishment, mixed with gratitude and reflection (and of course, a bit of relief!). As I reach the end, I think about the personal reasons behind my ride—my dad, my mother-in-law, and the many others affected by MS. It fills me with pride to know that their fight is being honoured through this effort. 

What motivates me to keep riding is the belief that each event brings us closer to a world without MS. Seeing firsthand how MS has affected my family, I feel a personal responsibility to keep pushing for a cure. Every person’s story is a reminder of why this fight matters. I’m also motivated by the incredible people I meet at each event—they reinforce that together, we can make a real difference. 

Donating and fundraising for Canadians affected by MS is crucial because it directly supports research and support programs that improve lives. MS is complex and unpredictable, but every dollar raised helps bring us closer to better treatments, and ultimately, a cure. My dad benefited from MS Canada support programs that helped him access a wheelchair-accessible van, allowing him to continue working longer. Thanks to advances in MS research, my mother-in-law receives quarterly treatments that have successfully halted the progression of her MS—she has had no new lesions in years. 

If you’re considering participating in MS Bike, my advice is simple: go for it! You don’t need to be a seasoned cyclist to join. It’s a welcoming and supportive environment where people come together for a shared cause. Whether you complete the full ride or simply participate to show support, every effort matters. Your involvement—big or small—makes a difference.” 

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