Community
Race4MS is a not for profit initiative created to raise funds and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis.
Race4MS was founded by the Blake Family and Sylvie Schurch in 2009. Both the Blake and Schurch families have close personal ties to Multiple Sclerosis. Pippa Blake has been living with MS since the early 90’s and Sylvie’s father has been living with MS for the past 10 years.
Inspired by the idea that collectively we can achieve more than we can individually we decided to assemble a team of individuals to help generate funds and create awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. Race4MS has several primary goals. The first is to generate funds and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis in the hopes that one day a cure will be found for this incredibly debilitating disease.
The second is to provide funding and awareness for the local chapters of the MS Society which provide resources and vital services for those living with MS. The final goal of our program is to provide a unique, challenging and exceptionally rewarding experience for our team of dedicated fundraisers. Ironman is a sport that brings out the best in people and requires inspired people who are up for the challenge.
MS Society of Canada- National Spokesperson- MS Read-a-thon leader
In 1992, Jasper’s mom was diagnosed with the debilitating disease known as multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). The disease attacks the protective myelin covering of the central nervous system, which results in impaired transmission of nerve impulses. In its most common form, MS has well defined attacks followed by complete or partial recovery. The severity of MS, progression and specific symptoms cannot be predicted at the time of diagnosis.
The mission of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is: To be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life. Our two major programs provide hope for the future through the support of MS research into the cause, treatment and cure of the disease and hope for today through our many services that assist people with MS and their families. If you would like more information about MS, the MS society or if you would like to donate, please refer to the MS Society website www.mssociety.ca or contact Jasper personally.
Right To Play- Athlete Ambassador
Raced on behalf of them to raise money for the program. Right To Play is an international humanitarian organization that uses sport and play programs to improve health, develop life skills, and foster peace for children and communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world. Working in both the humanitarian and development context, Right To Play trains local community leaders as Coaches to deliver our programs in more than 20 countries affected by war, poverty, and disease in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. www.righttoplay.com
Rise Above Barriers
In November of 2007, we took my mom to Mt. Everest. The Rise Above Barriers Society is an organization focused on rising above the barriers experienced through disability. It was formed in order to research, plan and implement a trekking journey in the Nepal Himalaya with a person living with a disability. In November of 2007, using a modified wheel chair called the TrailRider, Pippa Blake and the Rise Above Barriers Team (Team MS Fits) embarked on a three week trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp. www.riseabovebarriers.com