Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects 2.8 million people around the world. MS is where the immune system attacks the myelin around the nerves in the Central Nervous System (CNS), affecting the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Canada continues to have the highest rates in the world where 1 in every 400 people are diagnosed with the illness, commonly found in more women than men. The MS Society of Canada utilizes donations not only for research but to also assist those living with MS with medical equipment and supports to help with quality of life.

MS is described by people living with it as an illness that is unseen. Even though the person looks perfectly healthy it can be a war zone inside the body. From nerve pain, to numbness, to chronic fatigue.

I’m supporting the MS Society as it reaches close to my heart as I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS back in October of 2016. The MS Society has not only helped me by providing medical equipment that I needed for my everyday life, but they have also made accessible support groups, which has helped me significantly over the years. By supporting the MS Society, it will not only continue to help with research but provide a better quality of life to those living with MS. My heart goes out to those living with MS, we are in this together.

Niños Incapacitados is a non-profit organization that helps Mexican families pay for the ongoing and/or major medical expenses for their children who have serious or life-threatening illnesses.

Niños Incapacitados has worked in the North side of the Lake Chapala area of Jalisco, Mexico, for 50 years. Generally, the organization financially helps children from birth to 18 years of age who are chronically and seriously ill. In very specialized cases, they will continue to assist up until the age of 25.

The assistance provided covers a broad spectrum of medical help that includes consultations; medical interventions; medicines; medical hardware such as braces; psychological help related to the child’s infirmity; hearing aids, and wheelchairs; surgery; and chemotherapy. They also provide transportation to and from medical appointments. Finally, they provide burial assistance when a child succumbs to their injury.

In order to ensure that the most needy children receive help, children and their parents are referred to the charity through the Mexican social service agency DIF. They also partner with local non-governmental agencies such as Shriners to do work and to collaborate in the interests of the children we serve. They help the most needy children who live in our area to access quality medical care through our service.