If there’s a silver lining to having multiple sclerosis, it’s the focus that it places on what really matters.
“It changes your perspective on life in a good way,” says Alison Dallas. “You definitely find out what’s important.”
Dallas is among more than 34 Flin Flon area residents living with MS, a lifelong, potentially disabling condition.
She is also one of the first local participants in Rediscover Your Life, a new program to help keep MS patients active and engaged in the community.
Operated by the MS Society of Canada - Manitoba Division, RYL began in Flin Flon on Tuesday when participants made floral arrangements at the Flower Bar, part of the Candy Bar.
In the coming months, other businesses will host activities for the group, including a chocolate-making night at The Big Dipper on Nov. 19.
“I think it’s uplifting,” says Dallas.
Robin Searle of the MS Society says RYL emphasizes physical, spiritual and mental well-being among those living with MS.
Expanded
RYL has operated in Dauphin for the past five years and has now expanded into Flin Flon and The Pas thanks to fundraising efforts in those communities.
For Tanya Benoit, another participant, RYL suits her lifestyle of not letting MS define her.
“That’s what everybody has told me (to do),” Benoit says.
Benoit was diagnosed with MS on April 24, 2008. When Dallas heard the news, she reached out to offer support.
That’s something another resident with MS had done for Dallas after the friendly brunette was diagnosed 11 years ago.
Both Dallas and Benoit know about the worst-case scenarios associated with MS but have learned not to dwell on the maybes.
“The thing about MS is, it’s not who you are, it’s just a part of who you are,” says Dallas.
Making floral arrangements Tuesday were Tanya Benoit (from left), Robin Searle of the MS Society, Saundra Rachuk of the Flower Bar, Lori Bogoslowski of the MS Society and Alison Dallas.
PHOTO BY JONATHON NAYLOR
