Christopher Magrath and his sister Alexis are taking part in the Super Cities Walk for MS. (Submitted photo)
Following in the footsteps of his big sister Alexis, six-year-old Christopher Magrath has taken over this year as captain of Al's Pals in P.G., the western branch of a family team participating in the Super Cities Walk for MS.
The annual event takes place June 8 at Fort George Park, two days after Chris turns seven. For his birthday, the Highglen Montessori student has asked for monetary donations instead of presents.
The Prince George version of Al's Pals, which consists of the Magrath siblings and parents Denise and Brian, hopes to exceed their 2007 total of $1,200, which goes towards multiple sclerosis research and patient services. Chris and Alexis kick-started the fundraising drive last month at a school bake sale, which garnered $130.
Al's Pals was formed about a decade ago in St. Catherine's, Ont., where Denise had been part of a family team named after her younger brother Al, 35, who has MS.
"He's doing really well," said Denise, whose parents, Ineke and John Bezuyen, have raised upwards of $125,000 since Ineke formed the team in St. Catherine's.
Over the years, Al's Pals in St. Catherine's has involved up to 26 family members.
"It's a huge effort," Denise said.
Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease that causes short-circuiting of messages from the brain to the rest of the body. It can cause loss of balance, impaired speech, extreme fatigue, double vision and paralysis. The cause is unknown and there is no known cure, but research continues.
Local event co-ordinator Kathy Siddall, who has MS, says the disease is "life altering" as opposed to life threatening. She notes it can afflict children as young as three.
"That's really sad," Siddall said. "You have young kids with all these dreams, and their life is altered very quickly."
Registration for the June 8 walk begins at 10 a.m. followed by the walk at noon. Activities and entertainment will follow.
Participants have their choice of a 2.25 kilometre, 4.5 km or 9 km route along the Heritage River Trail. Inline skaters are welcome. Dogs are not permitted.
Register at 1-800-268-7582 or www.mssociety.ca/en/events/scwalk/. For more information, call the MS Society of Prince George at 564-7074.
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