As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to wish every single one of you a happy, healthy holiday season. Your support, messages, shares, and belief in this cause have meant more to me than I can ever put into words.

If I’ve been a little quieter lately, please know this is not because I’ve given up, far from it. The past few months have been gruelling, both emotionally and physically. My body has made it very clear that I need a moment to breathe, to recoup, and to regain strength so I can come back stronger, clearer, and more determined in the new year. I’m spending this time doing something essential: being present with my family and allowing myself the rest that chronic illness doesn’t often permit.

I also want to be very clear about something important:

The response we received from the Ministry stating that these medications are “not under consideration” is not the end of this fight.

I will continue pushing until there is real change, until there is another formal review based on today’s science, real-world data, and lived patient experiences, and until British Columbia aligns with what the rest of Canada has already recognized as necessary in the treatment of RRMS and multiple sclerosis as a whole. BC cannot continue to fall behind while patients pay the price.

This petition, this movement, and this fight are very much alive. I am simply taking the time my body needs so I can return with the strength this advocacy deserves.

Thank you for standing with me. Please continue to share, speak up, and keep our voices loud. I’ll be back and I’m not going anywhere until we see change.

With gratitude and determination,

Cassandra