May has been a fun-filled month with 19,467 people across Australia getting active to raise money to accelerate research into the prevention, treatments and ultimately a cure for multiple sclerosis. So far, the national movement has raised $3,525,008 to leave MS where it belongs, behind us.Â
One of our youngest participants in The May 50K was 10-year-old Connie, who was diagnosed with paediatric MS just 18 months ago. Â
Being diagnosed so young, Connie and her family don’t know what the future holds, so it’s a very uncertain time for them. While other kids are enjoying their childhood, young Connie is struggling with fatigue and her MS is slowing her down from doing the things she loves. Â
But Connie is one tough little lady and did not let MS stop her from being involved in The May 50K. She got active with her family, and we went out to The May 50K community encouraging people to join her team ‘Connie’s Crew’. We received a fantastic show of support with a whooping 890 people joining Connie’s team! This not only put a big smile on Connie’s face, but united everyone towards making MS a thing of the past. So far, Connie’s Crew has raised over $283,000 and has clocked 44,962km.Â
Connie and her family are still just at the beginning of her journey living with MS and like all our participants living with MS, they have enjoyed being involved with The May 50K as they too want to create a future free of MS.Â
Every dollar raised during The May 50K helps stop MS in its tracks.Â
The May 50K is a virtual fitness and fundraising challenge to run or walk 50km (or more!) during the month of May while raising funds for life-changing research into MS. During The May 50K, you can pick your distance. While most people stick with 50km, some passionate people challenge themselves to walk 500km! Â
One in three Australians will be directly impacted by multiple sclerosis.Â
Since 2000, the treatment options for MS have increased from only 1 to 15 available treatments today, and that’s all thanks to research. MS researchers are certain that with more funding, it’s not a matter of ‘if’ we can stop and reverse MS, it’s a matter of ‘when’. Research not only gives hope but confidence. Confidence that there will be a future where MS no longer has an impact on peoples’ lives like it does today.Â
With sufficient funding, MS researchers are 10 years away from stopping MS.Â
If you didn’t have the chance to join in The May 50K this year, there’s always next year and it’s never too early to start training!Â
Fundraising for The May 50K is open until the end of June and donations over $2 are tax deductible. Â
You can donate here to help leave MS in the past, where it belongs. https://www.themay50k.org/Â Â