Local cyclist Marcel Lafontaine is preparing to pedal across the country this May in a coast-to-coast challenge aimed at raising awareness and funds for multiple sclerosis (MS). His ambitious goal: ride more than 7,800 kilometres from Victoria, B.C., to St. John’s, N.L., and raise at least $100,000 for MS Canada along the way.
Lafontaine plans to complete the ride in just 70 days, finishing in time to participate in the 2025 MS Bike – Ottawa to Cornwall event, scheduled for Aug. 16–17.
A longtime supporter of MS Canada through his involvement in the MS Bike program, Lafontaine was inspired to take his commitment further after a chance encounter three years ago with fellow cyclist Jonathan Allenger. Allenger, who lives with MS, had completed his own cross-country ride.
After meeting Allenger, Lafontaine asked himself what more he could do. He says he feels fortunate to be healthy and capable of undertaking such a journey and believes strongly in giving back to help others who aren’t as fortunate.
The cause is personal for Lafontaine. He lost an aunt to MS, and both a cousin and his eldest son’s mother-in-law are currently living with the disease.
Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with more than 90,000 people affected. On average, 12 Canadians are diagnosed with the disease each day. MS damages the central nervous system by attacking the protective myelin around nerves, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, coordination problems, cognitive challenges and vision impairment. While there is no cure, research funded by MS Canada continues to advance treatment options and improve quality of life for those affected.
Lafontaine hopes his journey will not only raise much-needed funds but also encourage others to ask themselves how they can contribute.
To date, he has raised nearly $8,500 toward his goal. Supporters can follow his progress and donate by searching the hashtag #C2C4MS on Facebook and Instagram.
“We need to look out for one another,” said Lafontaine. “This disease isn’t limited to Canada. Even though we’re disproportionately affected, many others around the world can benefit from the support we generate.”
