The MS Society will be hosting their 21st annual Comfort Keepers MS Golf Classic on September 13, 2021 at the Innisfail Golf Club. Multiple Sclerosis is a condition that can affect the brain and nervous system and cause a lengthy list of problems for those who are diagnosed with it.  

“MS causes actual lesions on the nervous system in the entire body. Those lesions then stop the normal flow of information whether it be the hands, or organs…The weird thing about MS is that although the characteristics are similar for each client, it is very unique to each individual that does end up diagnosed with Ms,” said Chair of MS Golf, Dug Hunt.

The Golf Classic will be a day of golf, food, and prizes all in an effort to fundraise for the MS Society. The donations will not only go towards MS research but also towards supports for those who are living with MS.

“It's $250 per player. You have the option to fundraise the entire amount once you sign up and choose to fundraise your entry for the event. You can pay it straight out if you wish or you could pay a portion of it if you wish and fund the remainder,” said Hunt.

Last year, the tournament was not offered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the Golf Classic has lofty fundraising goal of $50,000 and they are more than halfway towards reaching that goal. They are hoping to have over 100 participants getting out onto the course.

“Our online amount fundraised is actually the amount of support and donations we've got from sponsors. So we're trying to reflect that total in there as well, which that number is already at over $36,000 we've gained in whether it be in kind or in actual support for the event,” explained Hunt.

Dug Hunt has been helping to put on this event since its inception in 1999. 21 years later, he says MS is still affecting the quality of life for some of the loved ones in his life.  

“The reason for my involvement is very personal. Both my sister and my brother have MS. My brother is coping with his and hasn't progressed to a point where he's not able to live a normal day-to-day life. My sister has now been in a wheelchair for the past six years and has no longer has any use of her body. She's not even able to hold a water glass. I have also lost an aunt at 55 years of age to MS,” said Hunt.

Dealing with family members, who have had MS for a large portion of his life he has already seen improvements in the way the condition is handled medically.

“In my time being involved, I have seen great improvements in what's developed for clients with MS including diagnostics and like how fast a person now can be diagnosed with MS,” said Hunt adding that his family members had to experience several ‘attacks’ before finally being diagnosed with the condition. Additionally, he has noted that supports and specialized care for those with MS have improved in the Central Alberta area as well.

Through his fundraising, he hopes he can aid in the search for a cure for MS and make life easier for those who suffer with the condition.