An Orillia woman battling multiple sclerosis (MS) is on a mission to spread awareness and raise money for the MS Society of Canada.
Whitney Murray, 32, is hosting an MS fundraiser at the Moose Lodge on Kitchener Street on April 9 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. The event includes live music from Chris Lemay as well as Steve Henry and Friends. It also features a silent auction, 50/50 draw and cash bar.
“I am doing the MS walk at the end of May on the 29, and this is a good way to start fundraising for that,” Murray said. “This was my mom’s idea. She asked me if we could do a fundraiser for her 60th birthday.”
Murray knows what it’s like to suffer from MS. She was diagnosed with the life-changing disease 12 years ago. At times, she has been temporarily blinded and has been so weak that she couldn’t hold a glass of water.
“We want to get the support and awareness out there so people know they aren’t alone,” she said. “When I’m sitting at home, I feel like I’m the only person in Orillia with MS, but I know that’s not true.”
The fundraiser is an opportunity for her to give back to the MS Society of Canada, which has given her a lot of support over the years.
“They gave me a chance to go to MS summer camp, where I met eight-year-old kids living with MS,” she said. “I’ve been able to see how things for me could be worse and see how other people have been impacted by this disease.”
Murray has been participating in the walk for 11 years and has a 50-person team. Since getting involved with fundraising efforts, she has connected with other people affected by the disease.
“The manager of Footprints on Muskoka, Lya, personally bought a sweatshirt and donated it to us for the silent auction,” she said. “When she was eight years old, her dad was diagnosed with MS.”
Murray is hoping people in Orillia who have MS will attend the event and chat with her about the possibility of forming a support group.
The fundraising goal for the event is $3,000. The money will help the MS Society of Canada with research initiatives and also to enhance the quality of life for people with MS through education and services.
“I’ve never held an event this big. I usually do a garage or bake sale,” Murray said. “It’s pretty nerve racking, especially after a pandemic.”
Tickets can be bought at the door. They cost $20. Silent auction items include a four-day stay in Lake Temagami cottages for six people, a fire ring from Muskoka Fire Pits, Mariposa Folk Festival passes and more.
