After waking up one day with numb thighs, Darcie JamesB次元官网网址檚 life has been a tough battle.

She was diagnosed in 2001 with multiple sclerosis and she has been unable to work since the diagnosis.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 crazy. (Multiple sclerosis) attacks the central nervous system,B次元官网网址� Darcie said. B次元官网网址淒ay by day I donB次元官网网址檛 know what body part wonB次元官网网址檛 work.B次元官网网址�

For her ongoing struggle, Darcie experiences numbness, tingling and vibrations throughout her body. Multiple sclerosis affects her vision, bladder and even her thought process.

With the stress on her body mentally and physical Darcie struggles with fatigue.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 not just waking up tired itB次元官网网址檚 pure exhaustion,B次元官网网址� Darcie said.

B次元官网网址淭he fatigue is a huge thing,B次元官网网址� added DarcieB次元官网网址檚 husband Kevin James.

With MS a prevalent part of each day, the couple finds hope though events such as the Vancouver Island Golf Superintendent Association multiple sclerosis gala banquet and hockey game.

B次元官网网址淚t is pretty incredible,B次元官网网址� said Darcie who helps organize the event along with her husband.

The golf superintendent fundraiser opens with a hockey game at Bear Mountain arena in Colwood in the afternoon, followed by a banquet at the Westin Bear Mountain hotel in the evening. The event includes a live auction, a silent auction and a raffle.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 just a feel good event,B次元官网网址� Darcie said.

Bear Mountain arena will be open from 12:30 to 1 p.m. for a public family skate and then the charity hockey game will begin at 1:15 p.m.

Hockey players will include golf course superintendents, golf professionals and people employed in other aspects of the golf industry.

The family skating portion and admission to watch the game is open to anyone and no donation is required. B次元官网网址淲e just want people to come out and watch the game,B次元官网网址� said Greg Kowalski, superintendent with the Royal Oak Golf Club and event organizer.

This is the fifth year for the event that started out with humble beginnings. The first year the event raised $8,500 and last year was able to generate $110,000.

B次元官网网址淥ur goal this year is to raise $115,000 and we want to help people locally,B次元官网网址� Kowalski said. B次元官网网址淭he more money we raise, the more (researchers) will know and eventually theyB次元官网网址檒l figure out (a cure).B次元官网网址�

All money raised at this event will stay within the South Island chapter of Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.

B次元官网网址淚 honestly and truly believe there will be something (in MS research) in DarcieB次元官网网址檚 lifetime that will affect her life in a positive way,B次元官网网址� Kevin said.

B次元官网网址淲hen MS is cured or is no longer an issue, VIGSA will continue to give back but it will be a different charity,B次元官网网址� Kowalski said.

The hockey game and banquet are on Jan. 28.

The pre-banquet reception at the Westin Bear Mountain hotel, 1999 Country Club Way is from 5 to 6:45 pm. The banquet runs from 7 to 10 p.m. and is followed by the dance and other celebrations from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Tickets are $75 per person and $700 for a table

For tickets contact Michelle Keenlyside at 778-426-3346 or michellekeenlyside@gmail.com or contact Dean Piller at 250-883-3636 or dpiller@telus.net.

reporter@goldstreamgazette.com