Next Thursday, December 7, Robert Bertolas, threetime marathon runner and fitness enthusiast who has been living with MS for 19 years, will be at Orangeville's Alder Street recreation centre, where a local MS support group will join him for an evening of motivational speaking and encouragement.

Mr. Bertolas will be embarking on a cross-Canada marathon starting next March 3: the North American Victory Tour for MS. He will be running, biking and rollerblading 10, 055 km from Victoria, B.C., to St. John's Nfld. to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for MS.

The public is invited to come and meet the man who is running for a cure, and hear the story of how he lives his life day to day while facing the challenges of MS - how he lost a significant amount of weight and sent his MS into remission, not having had an attack for close to 10 years.

This incredible man, who will, along with his team, place his life on hold for close to a year to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for MS. His goal is to raise $15 million for MS research before the end of 2007.