Kelowna MS advocate honoured
A Kelowna resident has been honoured with an award from the MS Society of Canada for her longtime commitment to volunteering and advocacy.
When she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis a decade ago, Michelle Hewitt became involved with the B.C. and Yukon chapter of the MS Society of Canada.
As a committee member, Hewitt advocates for better access to health care and the advancement of legislative policy priorities.
“Advocating for people with MS is extremely important to me, whether it is on an individual level or a systemic level,” said Hewitt. “There are so many challenges that people feel they are facing alone, and it’s important to me to speak up for them whenever I can.”
Hewitt also volunteers for the society’s peer support program, which is a telephoneand internet-based program for people living with MS.
Her work with the society also led to the creation of the accessible transit walking group in Kelowna.
She also started the Central Okanagan Disability Coalition, which sends quarterly newsletters for people with disabilities.
Hewitt was recently presented with the 2018 MS Society of Canada B.C. and Yukon division’s volunteer impact in advocacy and awareness award.
“Her inspiring efforts in volunteering, public awareness and advocacy (have) made a significant impact to the MS community in the Interior B.C. region,” the society said in a news release.
In addition to her own disease, Hewitt is also a caregiver to her husband, who is battling cancer.
“My husband and I spend our lives being positive and looking forward, not dwelling on how our diseases have affected our lives,” she said.