About MS Awareness Month
MS Awareness Month takes place every May to shine a spotlight on multiple sclerosis (MS) - a neurological disease that affects the central nervous system. For many, the MS journey starts years before a clinical diagnosis, meaning people experience symptoms before knowing they're living with MS.
Every year that passes without a diagnosis is a year without answers, and without a community to help navigate an MS journey. May is dedicated to raising awareness about the disease and encouraging Canadians to take part in activities throughout the month.
Key Dates
Ways to Get Involved this May
Every step, share, registration and signature moves us closer to a world free of MS. Whatever you choose, your actions support the over 90,000 Canadians that currently live with MS.
The May 50K: 50KM. Your Way.
Walk, run, swim or bike 50 kilometers this May and join a global movement that's changing the future of MS.
The challenge is yours to own. Choose your pace, your route, and your moments. Whether that's a morning walk before work, a weekend ride with friends, or laps in your local pool. Challenge yourself to move 50 kilometers throughout the month of May. Each kilometer brings us closer to a world free of MS.
Pin a Digital Carnation. Spark a Conversation.
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 our graphics 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 we 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.
“I volunteer during MS Awareness Month because I am driven by hope”
Karen, lives with MS
"It's always okay to ask for help."
Lizelle, lives with MS
Canada
has one of the highest rates of MS globally.
90,000+
Canadians live with MS.
Your MS Awareness Toolkit
Everything you need to start raising awareness today. Download free social media graphics, posters and shareable content to start conversations, show solidarity and help more Canadians recognize the early signs of MS.
Click the Download button, then right-click the image and select "Save image as..." to save it to your computer.
QuoteWhen I was diagnosed in 2015, I had no idea what MS was. But the support of friends, family, and the MS community has made all the difference. MS Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to get involved and recognize the progress we've made.
How Does Awareness Help?
Translating Research Into Answers
While there's currently no cure for MS, research continues to improve the health outcomes of people living with MS today. Every dollar raised this May directly fuels that progress and hope for a future without the disease.
Earlier Diagnosis
The sooner MS is identified, the sooner life-changing disease management strategies can begin. Research is closing the gap between first symptom and diagnosis.
More Effective Treatments
Today's therapies are more precise and better tolerated than a decade ago. And research is making tomorrow's even better.
Understanding Causes
Scientists are getting closer to understanding what triggers MS. Knowledge that could one day make prevention possible.
Quality of Life, Redefined
From fatigue management to mobility support, research is expanding what's possible for people living with MS every day.
Your Gift Changes What MS in Canada Looks Like
- Accelerate research that shortens the road from first symptom to first answer
- Fund programs that support Canadians throughout their MS journey
- Strengthen advocacy that ensures MS is considered a priority in policies
- Build a future where no one has to hear the words "you have MS"