A run to raise awareness on multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. The immune system attacks the protective membrane or “myelin” that covers nerves in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. In Western Canada, Erin Bodner will undertake a seven-day run for her brother, who lives wit MS, to raise awareness and funds to hopefully find the cure of MS, while providing services to Canadians with multiple sclerosis and their families. The 345-km run will follow the Alberta-Saskatchewan border from June 28th to July 5th and on her way, Bodner will pass through Lethbridge on July 1st.

According to MS Canada, on average of 12 Canadians are diagnosed with MS everyday. Most people are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20 and 49 and the unpredictable effects of the disease will last for the rest of their lives. Multiple sclerosis symptoms may include: walking difficulties/weakness/lack of coordination, vision problems, pain/tingling/numbness, fatigue, mood disorders/cognitive changes, bladder and bowel dysfunction.

Bodner’s route will be:

  • Head West on HWY 3 starting just before Barnwell
  • Continue until HWY 4/43 Street (around mile 26 – approx. 9:00 am)
  • Head South on HWY 4/43 Street
  • Head West on S. Parkside Drive
  • Take Coal Banks Trail South to HWY 5 (Mile 27 to 28 approx. 9:30 am)
  • Head South on HWY 5 until tired of running or just past Range Road 221A

 

Heidi Echavarria

Heidi was born in Bogota, Colombia and lived there until she was 18, then she moved to Caracas, Venezuela where she finished her bachelor's degree in journalism. Since 2010 she covered political issues related to the government of former president Hugo Chávez and his political opponents, management, death and transition to a new government. Likewise, Heidi did research, wrote chronicles, reports and news in the social, community, and cultural areas. In 2019, Heidi, along with her husband and three children, moved to Aurora, Ontario where she worked at Teen Challenge Canada. In September 2023, she moved to Lethbridge, Alberta. Heidi also has a diploma in Addictions and Community Health. In 2024, she joined at Bridge City News team as a Video Journalist to produce a wide range of stories including those which are faith based glorifying Jesus Christ.

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