This man is biking across Canada to raise $1M and break barriers for those with multiple sclerosis
CBC
When Jonathan Allenger begins his epic cycling journey across Canada this weekend, it won't just be to raise a million dollars to fight multiple sclerosis.
The 39-year-old wants to show Canadians living with MS that they can still dream big.
"I hope that it shows people there's no shame in talking about what they're experiencing. I hope it breaks down that barrier," said Allenger, who was diagnosed with the condition following an onset of symptoms in 2013.
Allenger's ride begins during MS Awareness month, and he hopes the money raised will contribute to curing the condition that affects nearly 100,000 Canadians.
Multiple sclerosis is a disease in which the body's immune system attacks myelin, an insulating layer around nerves. The resulting damage prevents the nervous system from properly transmitting signals.
For Allenger, the range of physical and mental symptoms include fatigue, brain fog and periodic difficulty with executive function, which allows people to plan, organize or problem-solve.
"The uncertainty can be debilitating," said Allenger, adding that it can also cause extreme anxiety and panic attacks.
Progressive forms of the disease can result in paralysis and inability to independently function.
Becky Mitts, vice-president of community for MS Canada, says 12 people a day are diagnosed with the condition in Canada. Women are three times more likely in Canada to have MS than men, she says.
According to Mitts, there are now 19 "disease-modifying therapies" for MS, but no cure. And its causes are still unknown. Nevertheless, MS Canada has funded $200 million in research over its 75-year history with nearly all its current backing coming from private donations or fundraising like Allenger's.
"Our vision at MS Canada is a world free of MS," she said.
Allenger is now hoping to add to that total with a dream he's had for almost a decade.
He says the idea of cycling across Canada came into focus when he suffered a "mental health crisis" after learning from his neurologist in January that his MS had progressed.
Allenger says he's long found comfort in cycling, which he took up in 2014 after his friends joined an MS Bike event to show solidarity following his diagnosis.
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