Whether you love fantasy, science fiction, epic adventure or mystery, your favourite reads will go a long way in saving the lives of people with multiple sclerosis. Join MS Readathon 2021, a fun month-long event in Australia, and make a beautiful memory out of August. Read on to find out how you and your family can take part in this momentous event.
What is MS Readathon?
MS Readathon is an annual fundraising event that runs from 1st to 31st of August. Young and old alike are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the entire month to raise funds for the MS Family Camps and Family Fun Days. These charitable organisations are committed to providing emotional and financial support to children with parents living with multiple sclerosis by organising events that allow them to spend time with their loved ones, understand the nature of the disease and ease their burden by interacting with other people who are in the same situation as them in a friendly atmosphere.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. The condition can reduce the life expectancy of sufferers or lead to permanent disability. MS is more common in young adults, but anyone who is at risk can develop it at any age. Chronic fatigue, blurred vision, muscle spasms, incontinence and balance problems could be indicators of the disease that must be brought to the attention of a medical specialist immediately.
Why Read to Raise Funds for MS Patients?
While others would put together sports events to raise funds for kids and adults suffering from multiple sclerosis, MS Readathon came up with a unique concept that is not only targetted towards self-confessed bookworms but also committed to helping non-readers make new discoveries of the world and themselves by encouraging them to develop the habit of reading. What's more, being a voracious reader is a great way to widen your vocabulary and maintain optimal health. Reading is no different to yoga, meditation or art therapy as it offers similar benefits such as the following:
- Lowers stress levels
- Stimulates cognitive abilities
- Alleviates symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Regulates emotions
- Improves concentration
- Boosts creativity
- Improves sleep patterns
How Does MS Readathon Work?
To get started, parents must register their children on the official MS Readathon website. Once they have completed the registration process and shared their child's personal fundraising page on Facebook, the reading fest, earning of badges and donation drive begin.
School communities can also join this online fundraising initiative. All they have to do is register the name of their school and create a class team, and then notify the parents of their students by sending them a link to their fundraising page. MS Readathon is, in fact, an amazing teaching resource for schools as it hones the habit of reading in students at a tender age.
From picture books and fairytales to history and biographies, students will grow up with an extensive book list consisting of different genres if they've been exposed to reading early on in life. If you're a teacher, you can even organise a competition in your class to encourage students to read their favourite books. Whoever gets to finish the most number of books before MS Readathon 2021 wraps up gets to bring home the title of reading superstar!
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