Raifta Shwedyk Health Care Educational Assistance Bursary
In
memory of the late Raifta Shwedyk, the Parkland Chapter
of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada awards an annual
$500 health care education assistance bursary to post-secondary
students in the health care field.
Supporting the Future
Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the brain and spinal cord. To date, there is no known cure for this often devastating disease that causes symptoms including speech and vision problems, extreme fatigue, lack of coordination, dizziness, depression, pain, even partial or complete paralysis.
While researchers continue their quest for a cure, health care professionals in many fields strive to find ways to improve the quality of life for people facing the challenges of MS. This may be through pharmaceutical treatments that help lessen symptoms, physiotherapy to keep muscles supple and strong, occupational therapy introducing ways to adapt surroundings to better suit changing needs, and finding personal methods to live a better daily life.
As the saying goes, “The youth of today is the future of tomorrow” and the annual Raifta Shwedyk Bursary awarded by the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Parkland Chapter aims to support this future.
The bursary is generously funded by Gail and Ed Shwedyk in memory of Ed’s mother Raifta (Rose) Shwedyk who passed away 60 years ago.
The couple has participated in the RONA MS Bike Tour Riding Mountain Challenge fundraising event since its inception. Although their involvement is principally in memory of Ed’s mother, both a sister and uncle passed away due to complications related to MS. The work of the MS Society is obviously close to the family’s heart. They have chosen to commemorate Raifta Shwedyk by supporting the future of people living with MS.
“We are thrilled to be able to assist students in their chosen heath care field,” says Robin Searle Chapter Manager of the MS Society in Dauphin. “Each student’s career choice could have a direct impact on people living with MS.”
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Parkland Chapter provides programs and services for people in the Parkland area living with MS. It also supports national MS research.
Eligibility and Application Form
For
further information, contact the Multiple Sclerosis Society
of Canada, Parkland Chapter at (204) 622-2940 or by e-mail.
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