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Taking it to the streets to end MS

WHITBY, ON – August 19, 2011 When examining his post-graduation future, Jordan Kozina wasn’t sure what his plans would be; all he knew was that he wanted to take a bike ride to think about it.

A star running back on McMaster’s football team for four seasons, many are familiar with the Brantford native’s penchant for getting first downs and marching his team up the field. But this summer, Kozina will be covering territory in a whole different way.

The ride that was meant to help him figure life out has turned in to a major undertaking itself: this summer, Kozina has been cycling across Canada to raise money and awareness for the Multiple Sclerosis
Society of Canada.

“I didn’t know what I was going to do. I just thought of taking a bike ride and thinking about it,” he said as if implying an afternoon stroll around town. But once the history student starting getting some attention for his trek, the idea really got rolling.

“When I was planning it, I said to myself ‘this seems like something people might want to get behind,’ and I thought I would raise some money and do some good while I’m doing it,” said Kozina.

Multiple Sclerosis, commonly known as MS, is the world’s most common central nervous system disease. It’s an unpredictable disease that attacks the Myelin (protective wrapping) of the brain and spinal cord.

Victims of the disease suffer from a wide range of symptoms, notably the loss of vision, balance, mobility, hearing and memory. It’s a debilitating sickness that in most cases alters a victim’s life completely and permanently.

The disease is particularly common in Canada; an average of three Canadians per day are diagnosed with MS, and 240 in every 100,000 Canadians are diagnosed at some point, the highest rate in the world.

For Kozina, associating his trek with MS was an easy decision to make. In January, his aunt Mary Anne passed away after a lengthy battle with the disease.

“MS is one disease that’s always been close to me. … I knew my Aunt Mare more as a kid, so I didn’t understand what she went through. It was only recently that I began to appreciate and understand.”

“We are very excited to be welcoming Jordan to the Durham Region this weekend. His story and ride has been inspiring to watch unfold,” said Elizabeth McCaw, MS Society Canada, Durham Regional’s Chapter Manager.

Jordan flew out to British Columbia on June 12, 2011 the journey began in Tofino, BC and ends in Cape Spear, NFLD – a total of over 9,000 km.

Kozina has set a fundraising goal of $100,000, but wants to “blow that out of the water,” in terms of money and awareness raised.

Kozina hopes to arrive in Oshawa, ON around 5pm this evening. After trekking from Mississauga, ON this morning he will be spending this evening at the Quality Hotel & Conference Centre, Bloor Street East, Oshawa, Ontario, who was gracious enough to donate a room to his cause. This will allow Jordan to prepare to carry on this afternoon.

To speak with Jordan tonight at the Quality Hotel & Conference Centre, Bloor Street East, Oshawa, Ontario please contact him at (905) 576-5101. For more information on Jordan’s trek, visit www.trek4ms.ca. For more information about the MS Society Canada, Durham Regional Chapter visit www.msdurham.com.

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