Living Proof: Local MS Canada Ambassador shares the impact of medical milestones
City proclaims May as MS Awareness Month
More than 90,000 Canadians are living with Multiple Sclerosis, and each one is affected differently.
Canada has the highest incidence rates of MS in the world, and each day, 12 Canadians are diagnosed with MS. Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological disease of the central nervous system which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.
Its most common symptoms include fatigue, lack of coordination, weakness, tingling, impaired sensation, vision problems, bladder and bowel problems, as well as cognitive and mood changes.
Thanks to the efforts of MS Canada Ambassadors like Fort St. John’s Sherri Mytopher, through fundraisers and awareness campaigns advances are being made in resources, support, education and treatments for people living with MS. Ten million dollars annually goes into research for MS from the MS Walks fundraiser.
Recently, Mytopher told Fort St. John City Council during her April 13 presentation, there have been some big wins for people living with MS.
In November 2025, the province passed Bill 30 – the Employment Standards (Serious Illness or Injury Leave) Amendment Act, which saw improvements to employment standards for anyone with a serious illness, increasing the unpaid job-protected leave to 27 weeks, up from five days paid and three days unpaid leave in a 12-month period.
“This is a huge win for people who have serious illnesses. It was something that was needed. Twenty-seven weeks isn’t a lot of time, especially if you’re travelling for treatments, but it’s better than five days,” Mytopher told Council.
Recent advancements in research have increased what is known about MS, and increased treatment options.
For example, Mytopher reported that recent studies from the University of British Columbia found that MS-related health issues appear 15 years before diagnosis.
“It’s really great that advancements are being made, you know that time is of the essence with MS, because of the progressive nature of the disease.”
Researchers are also working on using blood tests to monitor MS progression in real-time, as opposed to relying on MRI’s which take a lot longer.
Some of these advancements in treatment have benefitted Mytopher, who is not only an advocate, but lives with MS herself.
“On a personal note, I mentioned last year [that] I started a new medication in October 2024, and January 8th of this year is possibly the last medication that I will ever have to take because of the treatment plan that I was on. It’s really exciting, so we’ll be monitoring that with MRIs over time, if I have severe symptoms – but at this point I am medication and treatment free,” she said.
Councillors Gord Klassen and Byron Stewart thanked Mytopher for her dedication to raising awareness about MS and appreciate her ambassadorship of the program.
“Your personal reveal to us is promising for so many, so I thank you for sharing that,” said Stewart.
Mayor and Council proclaimed May to be MS Awareness Month in Fort St. John, and the MS Canada flag will be flown at City Hall throughout the month.