Team Docktor
Fundraising For A World Without MS
Team Docktor
Team Docktor was formed by family and friends on April 28, 2009. Our goal is to help the MS Society of Canada raise funds for research and help improve the lives of patients diagnosed with MS as well as provide support for their families and friends.
Although our family had been involved in the past as a donor for the MS Society, we decided to take our effort a step further and become fundraisers. Our first involvement as a team was through the 2009 Enerflex MS Walk in Calgary.
Although our family had been involved in the past as a donor for the MS Society, we decided to take our effort a step further and become fundraisers. Our first involvement as a team was through the 2009 Enerflex MS Walk in Calgary.
Ben B. Docktor - Our Inspiration
Ben B. Docktor was diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis in the fall of 2007. The episode that resulted in his diagnosis was challenging as Ben's speech was severely affected. At times, people could not understand what he was saying and this would cause great frustration and stress. After six months, Ben's episode resolved and he regained clarity of speech. However, MS comes in waves and leaves little in the way of clarity for those with the diagnosis and for family and friends.
In April of 2009, Ben and his wife Mali decided it was time to do something about this situation. Although there is much uncertainty surrounding MS there is one certain thing: raising funds will allow researchers and doctors answer those unknowns and find a cure.
In April of 2009, Ben and his wife Mali decided it was time to do something about this situation. Although there is much uncertainty surrounding MS there is one certain thing: raising funds will allow researchers and doctors answer those unknowns and find a cure.
Following "The Dream"
In true fairy tale manner, one night in April 2009 Mali Docktor experienced a dream that seemed a "call to action". In this dream, Ben and Mali were walking among many others under a banner that read "MS". The following morning, Mali discussed her dream with Ben and with his support they searched for a walk in Calgary related to MS. To their surprise, the ENERFLEX MS Walk would take place in Calgary in just five weeks time. Armed with nothing but hope and the good wishes of friends and family, they assembled Team Docktor.
In late 2009, Shawn and Pamela Haskell contacted Mali Docktor and suggested forming a team for the RONA MS Bike Tour. With the help of new members Alex Linetsky and Hilda Van Camp, all five rode in the 2010 tour for the first time as Team Docktor.
In late 2009, Shawn and Pamela Haskell contacted Mali Docktor and suggested forming a team for the RONA MS Bike Tour. With the help of new members Alex Linetsky and Hilda Van Camp, all five rode in the 2010 tour for the first time as Team Docktor.
Success
Team Docktor has raised $84,000 for the MS Society - Calgary and Area Chapter in just two years of work.
We are often asked how we have done it and the answer is "we asked for support". We have approached not only friends, family, and acquaintances but we have knocked on doors and talked to strangers in the streets. Each of our members has been an essential part of our team's success as each one has approached fundraising in their very own way.
We are often asked how we have done it and the answer is "we asked for support". We have approached not only friends, family, and acquaintances but we have knocked on doors and talked to strangers in the streets. Each of our members has been an essential part of our team's success as each one has approached fundraising in their very own way.