From Oct. 14 to Nov. 15, Canadian children, classes and entire schools can register in the MS Read-a-Thon, which helps people living with multiple sclerosis in your community.
The rules are simple, read whatever you like, as much as you can. Students can even sign-up with their school or individually.
Read-a-Thon ambassador Darcie Naslund has lived with MS since 2013 and recently wrote the book, “My Mom is Not a Superhero” to share her story and help kids understand what MS is and how it affects people.
Naslund says the read-a-thon is a wonderful fundraising event that’s been around for 45 years. Readers “sign-up to read as much as possible in one month to raise money to support those Canadians living with MS.”
“The best part about it is it introduces children to charitable giving in a fun and exciting way. Each child, once they’re registered, will have their own personal website online,” she adds.
According to Naslund, the website keeps track of a reader’s progress, their fundraising goals and readers can create personalized avatars. Readers can also receive badges and avatar upgrades, as they raise more money.
Naslund is a children’s author and MS activist from Alberta, who has taught in preschool and elementary classrooms. She lives on a farm with her husband, three kids and a collection of farm animals.
“I chose to join the MS Read-a-Thon as an ambassador because I hope to share my story of MS and how I live with it. I also have a love for reading because as a children’s teacher I love children’s books. I think children need to be a part of the MS journey, for anyone who is living with it,” notes Naslund.
Naslund wrote the book for her children and for other children who have parents or family members living with MS. The book was released earlier this year. “I hope it helps families across Canada who need it the most.”
The book is available online or through Naslund’s website at darcienaslund.com.
Reading is not only a way to make it through school, but it’s also a way to escape into fun stories and find a connection between yourself and characters in books.
“The response to my book has been great. I was so happy to see so many people who don’t even know what MS is being excited to learn something new and share it with others. Though the book talks about MS, my goal is to hopefully talk generally about invisible illnesses. Just because we can’t see something and someone looks fine, they might not be fine on the inside and that we can help them. No matter how big or small you are, you can find a way to help,” says Naslund.
Funds raised from the MS Read-a-Thon don’t just support research, advance treatments and advocacy for those with MS, says Naslund. “It also provides programs like the Knowledge Network, where I was able to ask so many questions I didn’t know the answers to by going onto the MS Canada website. They also have support and wellness programs for those living with MS and their families.”
For more information or to register visit msreadathon.ca.
