The MS Read-a-thon-

Another Way that Hazel students demonstrate their caring for others… 

By: Jasmine Toor, freelance writer

 Starting in late January Hazel McCallion students had the chance to participate in the "MS Read-a-thon". Students were asked to read books and collect donations to help those afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis. Students were to record the amount of books they had read and hand in their donations by February 26th. If you raised enough money you would get prizes according to how much you raised! In each grade level, the class who raised the most money would win a class pizza party.

Multiple Sclerosis is a very serious disease, and unfortunately Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis cases in the world. By definition, multiple sclerosis is a serious progressive disease of the central nervous system, occurring mainly in young adults. It is thought to be caused by a malfunction of the immune system. Everyday three people are diagnosed with this disease and it’s the most common neurological disease affecting young adults in Canada. This disease is very frightening and no one knows what causes it yet but with the money we raised we’re one step closer in finding the answer.

Multiple Sclerosis can cause a loss of balance, impaired speech, paralysis, double vision and extreme fatigue. It damages materials that surround the nerve fibers in the brain, spinal cord and nerves of the eyes.

Together, our school has read over 3200 books during the read-a-thon. The money we've raised will go to great use, for each dollar we raised we will be closer to finding a cure for this life damaging disease. Thanks to everyone in Hazel who participated in the MS read-a-thon. With your help, we are closer to finding a cure for this crippling disease. Thanks to the kids at Hazel and other participating schools, many lives hopefully will be saved from enduring the agonizing pain that accompanies this affliction.