An Abbotsford woman has been presented with a prestigious award from the MS Society’s B.C. and Yukon division.
Joanne Craven recently received the MS Champion Award, along with Sherri Mytopher from Fort St. John. They were among seven people who were recognized at the MS Connect conference in Surrey for their exceptional volunteer efforts.
Craven has lived with multiple sclerosis for 34 years. Instead of letting her diagnosis take over her life, it fueled her to raise awareness about the disease, which resulted in helping more people affected by MS than she could have imagined.
Over the years, Craven has been involved with the MS Walk, MS Bike, Muck MS, and Abbotsford Self-Help Group. She is also the former chair of the MS Society of Canada’s Fraser Valley chapter board.
The MS Society says that her inspiring efforts in volunteering, public awareness and community leadership have made a significant impact to the MS community in Abbotsford.
“Being a member of the MS community is important to me as I feel that I can help others affected by MS. With my many local connections I can help put staff members in touch with local people,” Craven says.
She said winning the award “means the world” to her.
“My daughter has followed my footsteps in volunteering extensively with the MS Society and I am very proud of her for doing that,” she added.
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