‘It pushes me’: Multiple Sclerosis ambassador speaks of diagnosis, fundraising events for 2026

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John’s own champion behind Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is returning to spread awareness and garner support for the disease in 2026.

An autoimmune disease which begins in the protective layer of nerves in the central nervous system, MS is a disorder which affects communication between the brain and body.  

It can cause fatigue, numbness, mobility problems, muscle weakness, and cognitive and visual problems. 

According to MS Canada,  1 in every 400 people – or 90,000 nationwide – suffer from MS, with three quarters of those diagnosed being women.  

That includes local MS ambassador Sherri Mytopher, who was first diagnosed in 2013. 

After numbness “from her shoulder to her right foot” occurred, it began a months-long journey before her MS diagnosis. 

She began holding fundraising events in 2017. Almost a decade later, she told Energeticcity.ca about continuing to champion the cause.

“I do it to find a cure,” said Mytopher. “I don’t think it gets harder every year. I think it pushes me more to do the work and do the events and raise awareness and educate people and raise money for research and hopefully finding a cure.”

“You have good days and bad days. You learn to understand your body and to rest when needed. Rest is really important and to take care of yourself, because MS is so unpredictable.”

On Saturday, May 23rd, Mytopher will host the annual MS Pub Night at the Canadian Brewhouse Bar and Grill in Fort St. John on 9203 100th Street from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A $30 ticket gets guests a burger, salad, fries, and a drink of their choice. Additionally, a 50/50 raffle and silent auction will also be held, with proceeds going to MS Society of Canada.

Mytopher added a second, online-only silent auction will be held on Facebook starting Thursday, May 21st at 7 p.m., ending on Sunday, May 24th at the same time.

The next morning, on Sunday, May 24th, the MS annual walk will be held starting at Festival Plaza, with registration starting at 10 a.m. 

The walk will take place at 11 a.m., with city councillors on hand to make remarks. Red Tomato Pies has donated pizzas following the walk’s conclusion.

To learn more about MS or to find out how you can contribute to the cause, visit the MS Canada website for Fort St. John’s MS walk or call Mytopher for Pub Night tickets at 250-263-8058.