Lori Thompson was just two when her mother was diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis, an incurable disease of the central nervous system that can result in the weakening – or loss – of physical functions.
In the case of Thompson’s mom, Rita, she initially experienced demyelination of the spine, as well as impaired balance and mobility that forced her to use a cane, then a walker, and, eventually, a wheelchair.
“I don’t remember her any other way,” Thompson, now 38, said.
Growing up, Thompson and her older sister grew used to the presence of a government-provided assistant who would help make their lunches and get them to school.
“She was almost like another mother to us because she was there every day.”
Due to funding cutbacks, that aid was no longer available by the time Thompson and her sibling reached about 11 and 13 years old.
Throughout her life, the South Surrey resident has watched her mother live with a disease that is both debilitating and unpredictable.
Rita’s health went downhill quickly for a 10-year period, before stabilizing for another decade. The MS has been more progressive again in the last 15 years or so.
Now 64, it has affected her speech and small motor skills, such as the ability to put a key in the door, button a shirt or use a knife.
While living with a parent with a disability has come with its challenges, Thompson said it has had a positive impact on her life, teaching her to not take anything for granted.
“It’s made me a much more empathetic person and made me more aware and conscious of other people’s needs,” she said, noting it had an influence on her current career in massage therapy, Pilates instruction and energy healing. “It’s lead me to the path that I’m on, which is doing work in health, fitness and healing.”
Thompson said she has also learned from her parents’ relationship. Rita and Gary – who live in Ocean Park – have been married for more than 45 years and “are still going strong.”
“I really was able to see and experience what true and unconditional love is through my parents’ commitment to one another.”
Despite being the most common neurological disease affecting young adults in the country (according to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada), there is not enough awareness about it, Thompson said.
The problem is not that people are misinformed, she added, but that they are not informed at all.
“In my experience, MS just doesn’t get a lot of exposure,” she said. “I’d like to see more people talk about it.”
To help raise the disease’s profile, Thompson and her family have been participating in the Scotiabank MS Walk for nine years as Team Rita.
On average, the team brings in a few thousand dollars for the MS Society, but this year, they have a much higher goal.
Aiming to hit $10,000, the team has already raised $7,000 after hosting a community pub night.
Thompson is now hoping to see a large crowd at this year’s walk, which, in its 20th year in Canada, has a national fundraising target of $1.6 million. The event will be held in White Rock Sunday.
“The more people that come out, the more exposure it gets, and the more people talk about the disease.”
Thompson said she is hopeful a cure can be found for MS, which is why she will continue to support the cause by joining each walk, for her mother.
“I’ll do this every year as long as I can.”
n The White Rock MS Walk will be held May 1 at 10 a.m. at the west end of the promenade on Marine Drive. Participants can choose between a three-, five- or 6.5-km route, all of which are wheelchair/scooter accessible. Inline skaters are also welcome.
The Surrey MS Walk takes place on May 1 at 10 a.m. at Fleetwood Park, 15802 80 Ave. Both the 3K and 5K routes are scooter and wheelchair accessible.
Registration can be done on the day of the event – check-ins start at 8 a.m. – or online, at mssociety.ca/en/events/scwalk/
For more, call 604-602-3221.
Donations can also be made on the society’s website.