Battle against MS continues

Carnation campaign to kick off soon

It’s been four years since Carl MacLeod lost his wife Shirley to multiple sclerosis.

She still, however, remains his main source of motivation as he continues to campaign for awareness and a cure for MS.

“I’ve been doing everything I could to help everybody that has MS,” said MacLeod. “She was my inspiration. Now that she is gone she is still my determination.”

The now 81-year-old MacLeod first became involved with the MS Society when his wife was diagnosed in 1992. He’s continued to be an active volunteer since then.

The latest aspect of his work is the annual MS carnation campaign, which is the MS Society of Canada’s longest running fundraiser.

Since its inception in 1975, more than $45 million has been raised through the carnation campaign for services and research.

Its biggest local fundraiser will take place May 11 to 13 from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. in two Mayflower Mall locations and at Lawton’s Pharmacy in New Waterford those same days

from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

A large bouquet called the “vivid spring bouquet” is $12, a small bouquet is $7 and a potted carnation plant is $10. Single stem carnations will also be available.

MacLeod is also taking advance orders for pickup between now and those dates.

He’s pleased that all proceeds from the campaign continue to go toward research and services for people that have MS.

“Research is very important and the MS Society has an awful lot of money committed to research,” he said. “When my wife was diagnosed with MS all that was available to treat it were steroids. There are many advancements now to treat it.”

In terms of services, he said that can cover a variety of things designed to enhance the lives of those with MS in the community.

Besides the carnation campaign, the month of May will be a busy one for MacLeod and others raising money and awareness for MS.

On Monday, he was in Sydney at city hall to raise the MS awareness flag.

Later this month, the annual MS Walk will take place on May 28 at the Victoria Park Armouries in Sydney. Check-in is at 1 p.m. followed by the walk at 2 p.m.

For more information on the carnation campaign, contact MacLeod at 902-862-6356.