Volunteering
Portrait of an Exceptional Volunteer:
Marie-Josée Abouzakhm
Marie-Josée Abouzakhm has been actively involved with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (Quebec Division) since June 2004. It is a way for her to feel alive, build her confidence and have hope.
Marie-Josée was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS)
in May 2001 when she was only 24 years old. It was a
huge shock for the young woman, who was finishing
university, had found a stimulating job and was making
plans for the future. “It all began with vision problems in
my left eye. The ophthalmologist diagnosed an optic nerve problem and referred me to a neurologist. It was my neurologist who informed me that my vision problems
were in fact caused by MS.”
The three-year period after she was diagnosed was not
easy for Marie-Josée, who suffered constant attacks with
few remissions. “In June 2004, the MS Society accepted
me as an intern, offering me a springboard for re-entering
the labour market. “I quickly understood that it might not
be possible for me to go back to work.”
She had to reorient her career so Marie-Josée decided to
try volunteer work. She wanted to get involved at the
place which really helped her, giving her an opportunity to
re-enter the labour market and, especially, which had
confidence in her. “Money isn't everything. Doing
volunteer work for the MS Society makes me feel like I am
making a difference. When I meet someone who feels sad
at the beginning of the day and make him/her smile, I feel
like I have accomplished something.”
Marie-Josée is certainly very available for the MS Society.
Since June 2004, she has participated in almost all the
activities organized by the MS Society, including the MS
Read-A-Thon, MS Golf Challenge, Carnation Campaign
and SuperCities Walk for MS. Marie-Josée has
contributed to the success of all of the activities, and she
has completed countless tasks for the Quebec Division,
writing articles, working at the reception desk and making
telephone calls.
“Since I have been working as a volunteer at the MS
Society, I have been happier and less stressed. I have a lot
more hope, as well as a purpose and the will to live.”
Marie-Josée chose to do volunteer work to raise people's
awareness. It is her way of making people learn more
about MS and understand that it is essential to stay close
to people who have an illness like MS. “People who have
multiple sclerosis are still sociable. They like to have
contact with others. That is why it is important not to
abandon them or be scared,” said Marie-Josée.
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (Quebec
Division) offers support, listening and documentation
services for people who have MS and their significant
others. “It helped me in a difficult and critical time of my
life. I was coming out of a long period of relapses,
mourning the loss of my job and some people close to
me. That's why I would pull out all the stops to help the
MS Society's permanent staff. Whether I am on the site of
activities or doing office work, I feel that what I am doing
is equally important.”
Marie-Josée is living peacefully with multiple sclerosis.
She does not mind talking about it and is even happy if
she can answer people's questions. Although she has not
had a real relapse since May 2004, Marie-Josée knows
that she is not protected from the effects of the disease.
She wakes up happy each day that she can walk, write,
move and see. “I think that MS has made me a better
person. I have learned to look at life differently and take
advantage of every moment, not knowing what will
happen tomorrow. I tell myself that as long as there is life,
there is hope!”
Register now!
Anyone
interested in becoming part of the team of the Multiple Sclerosis
Society of Canada, Quebec Division, is invited to contact Irina Daminoiu at 514-849-7591, ext. 233 or email irina.daminoiu@mssociety.ca.
