Abbotsford – For 34 years, Abbotsford resident Joanne Craven has lived with multiple sclerosis (MS). Instead of letting her diagnosis take over her life, it fueled her to raise awareness about the disease which resulted into helping more people affected by MS than she could have imagined.
Over the years, Joanne has been involved with the MS Walk, MS Bike, Muck MS, Abbotsford Self Help Group and was the former chair of the MS Society of Canada Fraser Valley Chapter Board. Her inspiring efforts in volunteering, public awareness and community leadership has made a significant impact to the MS community in Abbotsford.
“Being a member of the MS community is important to me as I feel that I can help others affected by MS. With my many local connections I can help put staff members in touch with local people,” says Joanne.
She was presented with the 2018 BC & Yukon Division’s MS Champion Award along with Sherri Mytopher from Fort St. John, BC. They were among the seven individuals who were recognized for their exceptional volunteer efforts for the organization, on Nov. 3 at the inaugural MS Connect ’18 conference in Sheraton Guildford Vancouver Hotel.
“Winning this award means the world to me,” exclaims Joanne. “My daughter has followed my footsteps in volunteering extensively with the MS Society and I am very proud of her for doing that.”
About MS Connect ’18 Conference
The MS Society British Columbia & Yukon Division brought members of the MS community together with MS researchers, health professionals and other experts on November 2-4 at Sheraton Guildford Vancouver Hotel. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from MS researchers who are leading the way, meet one-on-one with a variety of vendors and engage with up and coming MS researchers from the University of British Columbia. The goal of MS Connect is to enhance attendees’ knowledge of MS and MS research, as well as provide an environment for attendees to make new connections within the MS community.
About multiple sclerosis and the MS Society of Canada
Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world with 11 Canadians diagnosed with MS every day. MS is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system comprising the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40 and the unpredictable effects of the disease last for the rest of their lives. The MS Society provides programs and services for people with MS and their families, advocates for those living with MS, and funds research to help improve the quality of life for people living with MS and to ultimately find a cure for this disease. Please visit mssociety.ca or call 1-800-268-7582 to make a donation or for more information. Join the conversation and connect with the MS community online. Find the MS Society on Twitter, Instagram or like our page on Facebook.
