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Hi, I'm Lori Wikdahl and I have MS
I walked across Canada from May 1, 2003 to February 8, 2004. By my walk I hope to raise Awareness for MS, which will create Interest, sparking Inspiration, which will bring about a Cure!
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My Walk...My Dream
One day in February 2002, I found myself alone and needing to get to a store. With the help of a neighbor, I was able to get there but realized I would have to walk home. It took me several hours but I did it. This was the first of many walks. First, a couple of times a week, then every other day, then every day. In April 2002, I entered the Super Cities Walk for MS in Abbotsford, BC. Something I had not done since 1997. I successfully walked the 10K route. "Wow," I thought, "if I can stay this way for the next year, I am going to walk across Canada!" That thought and my walking have become my reason for being. My walk is why I get up, why I am able to do any of the things I do. Walking gave me back my sense of self-confidence, pride, respect,and more. It's my world, how I get social and human contact and a sense of well being. No matter how bad it gets, if I walk I've had a day I can be proud of. I belive the only reason I have been relapse free this past year is because of my walks. I believe I need these walks to maintain my edge over MS - to keep it at bay as long as possible. MS has limited my control and ability to use my hands and legs. I no longer drive or prepare most meals. It's created perception and pain problems that limit my reading, writing, thinking, and even social interation. I no longer enjoy or pursue 95% of the things I used to do -- but I can walk! On December 31st, I added up my walks and found I had gone over 3,000 km without trying to go anywhere. On January 1st, 2003, I walked 20 miles and I knew then that I had to walk across Canada for myself and for all those with MS. Walking away from MS is my dream and I hope my walk will help others. I just knew it was something I had to do while I can because for me there are no "tomorrows", only "todays". -Lori Wikdahl |
My Hope
MS is a disease that attacks the protective myelin covering of the central nervous system, causing inflammation and often destroying myelin in patches. Messages are now slowed or blocked. This may cause temporary or permanent loss of movement, speech or other functioning. The symptoms often come and go over a period of time.Raising awareness of MS and asking for donations to help fund research to find a cure are the sole objectives of the Trans Canada Trek. Step by step, day by day, these objectives will be met. Researchers are learning more about what causes MS everyday and zeroing in on ways to prevent it. The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada funds research that continues to find pieces of the MS puzzle and fits them together to build a clearer picture of this complex disease. This better understanding of MS will lead tto even more effective forms of treatment. All money raised outside of Trek expenses will be donated to the MS Society for research. |
My Support
Chris Stobbart (Support Person/Driver) drove the RV that is accompanied Lori on her Trek. He also supported her by providing for her nutritional and medical needs. Several volunteers in British Columbia also supported Lori by providing much needed publicity and other management. And of course, my two faithful canine companions, Rancho (a Rottweiler)and Candy (a Great Dane), have been walking by my side through it all, and continued to do so throughout the Trek.
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Lori is Still Looking for Supporters
She is so commited to the Trek and raising awareness and donations for MS that she borrowed money to get the TransCanada Trek started. She has now walked all of the way across Canada and is starting to see her efforts pay off. Although the Trek is complete, you can still donate towards it. Please contact Lori at
1-604-854-4067 if you can help. Check out Lori's new motivational speaking website and find out what her next step in life is
lorioutloud.1hwy.com |
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