In January of 1996 Ron Matz, a close friend of Gary Dixon passed away due to complications from multiple sclerosis (MS). It was a sad moment for Dixon but to keep the memory of his friend alive Dixon started an MS Walk in the town of Wawota. He ran the event for 10 years until Shawna Cudmore a fellow Wawota resident, took over the initiative after her father Kelly Greenbank was diagnosed with the disease.
"We were the best of friends we went to school together, he had eight or 10 years before it finally took him in the end," Dixon said.
"I just felt like I wanted to do something in his memory and that's what I chose to do and at that time I didn't know it would be anything like this. I contacted MS Regina and they helped me get it going"
The town's dedication has remained strong and on Sunday, May 25 residents continued their walk. More than 50 people trekked the streets of Wawota in the name of multiple sclerosis research and aid that afternoon. The walk began at 3 p.m. on Alexander Drive and the group made their way around the town with walkers coming in from Redvers, Carlyle, Wapella and Moosomin. The group raised more than $14,000 this year and Cudmore says though the increase is positive, it comes as a result of more people being diagnosed. She said more families are getting involved because they have a friend or family member with the disease. This Cudmore said is the harsh downside of the walk but noted its importance and relevance.
"We don't have a cure yet there are so many different kinds of MS and people waiting for medication and surgeries. In our town alone there are only 800 people and 10 people have MS or are struggling with MS. There's a lot in our little community," she said.
One walker, Connie Smith travelled from Manor to participate in the event and said she got involved because of her sister who was diagnosed with the disease.
"It's quite important, I think it's a wonderful cause plus I know Kelly, he used to coach my son in hockey," she said.
Other communities across the province also got involved as walkers in Battleford, Estevan, Weyburn and other areas joined together in the program which is also supported by Blue Cross Canada.
Cudmore explained, although Wawota is a small town they do well and raise a lot of money every year. A cupcake sale was also held at the school in town and she said the money they made from the walk and all the activities is steadily growing as pledges are still coming in.
"We did great, lots of people came out the weather let up and allowed us to walk so I'm happy with the results," she said.
