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Kim Boyd: Walking towards a cure

May 2, 2013   ·   0 Comments

The walkers gather and greet each other as the music plays a rousing beat. Registrations are collected, breakfast snacks served, photos are snapped, cheers greet the teams and dog walkers, babies and toddlers in strollers all join in the morning’s activities when this Sunday over 20,000 volunteers lace up throughout Ontario in full support of the 2013 MS Walk.

For New Tecumseth, the Walk begins at Banting Memorial High School in Alliston, volunteers contributing their part to a much needed cause.

Funds from the Walk support research and access to community services, referrals and information for families and individuals touched by MS.

Volunteers, inspired to participate through their own experience, demonstrate by their participation, how widespread the need is.

With Canada having one of the highest rates of MS in the world, Walk supporters can be family, caregivers, employers or companies sponsors, as well as individuals coping with MS, their numbers increases steadily: three Canadians newly diagnosed each day.

One such diagnosis led to creating the New Tecumseth team “Kim’s Hope For a Cure”, championed by Tottenham resident Kim Boyd.

The team formed seven years ago when Kim was first diagnosed with MS. Throughout the years, “Kim’s Hope” has claimed first prize in team size, fundraising, and thanks to an enthusiastic mascot who donned a gorilla costume for the event, best dressed team.

“The team is comprised of family members and people that I know,” said Kim. “My kids grew up here (in Tottenham), went to school, played soccer, I knew the mothers”.

When Kim suffered a series of seizure-like spasms and a visit to the Emergency Room led to the diagnosis, her family the community that had shared her life for 13 years took on a greater role. Despite her sense of balance being affected, Kim was determined to join the Walk, and in the company of friends and family, she has crossed the finish line for six years.

“I just focus,” Kim said of her desire to finish the 5km Walk. “I just keep going.”

Word of the annual event spread quickly, first by word of mouth, then a Facebook page, and the team which this year numbers thirty members kept growing.  Neighborhood families, and her own blended family with its five children are strong supporters, and her warm appreciation went out to them as well as the team sponsor Arcamm Electric who provided the team t-shirts.

Over the years, total donations have grown to over $14,000, with more anticipated. To join “Kim’s Hope For a Cure” or sponsor their effort, contact kymboyd@hotmail.com  (note spelling).

The key to Kim Boyd’s successful team effort is commitment: “to support me, and for a good cause”, she said.  The need is clearly seen. MS is a chronic, often debilitating disease of the brain and spinal cord affecting between 55,000 and 75,000 Canadians. It has become the most common neurological disease affecting young adults in Canada. In Simcoe County, the society offers counseling, education, and funding assistance, vital resources to help families coping with the disease.  “Generous funding for a motorized wheelchair has allowed me to access places outside of my apartment that I haven’t been able to access for over 15 years”, says one woman who lives with MS.

The Walk, an annual fundraiser, involves 60,000 participants and volunteers from 160 communities across Canada, and there is still room in New Tecumseth to do your part.

To learn more about MS, visit the website mswalks.ca or to help the Walk in New Tecumseth, calling Meredith Skinner, 1-800-268-7582.  Whether joining as a walker or to help staff the 5 or 10 kilometer route, is a step in the right direction.

By Anne Ritchie

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