Shauna Flath knows what itB次元官网网址檚 like to be at the top of her game.
The 46-year-old Greater Victoria resident is a gold medallist and world champion in squash. She achieved national success when she coached CanadaB次元官网网址檚 national team, helping to lift them to a gold-medal win at the 2011 Pan-American Games.
But in recent years sheB次元官网网址檚 been forced to slow down both athletically and in her career, as sheB次元官网网址檚 been living with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. MS is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system and can cause symptoms of extreme fatigue, lack of co-ordination, weakness, impaired senses and vision problems, among other things.
The condition has made Flath realize her body has its limits.
B次元官网网址淚 have to be more cognizant and aware of ensuring to the best of my ability to rest, keep life low-key, avoid stress and the busy-ness of life,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淢y friends fully understand my limitations and respect that I canB次元官网网址檛 always do everything.B次元官网网址�
The diagnosis hasnB次元官网网址檛 stopped Flath from giving back to the community. For the past seven years, she and her team, Squash MS, have raised more than $30,000 for the MS Walk Victoria. Flath believes a cure can still be found one day.
B次元官网网址淲e thought we could raise awareness about the disease, gain some support and assist in our own little way by fundraising,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淭his is what weB次元官网网址檙e doing to find a cure for the disease.B次元官网网址�
Flath is one of hundreds of people who will be taking part in the annual Scotiabank MS Walk on Sunday, May 28. As part of the event, more than a dozen communities across the province including the Comox Valley, Duncan and Nanaimo and more than 4,000 participants, will host walks to raise awareness of the disease.
In Victoria, the three or six-kilometre walk begins at Willows Beach. Check in time is 12:30 p.m., and the walk begins at 2:00.
Funds raised go towards research, programs and services offered by the society to help people manage and cope with the disease, such as support groups and the provision of equipment.
According to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, roughly 12,000 British Columbians live with MS. For more information on the walk visit mswalks.ca.
