Sharon Sparks has played an active role in the Fundy Chapter of Muscular Dystrophy Canada since before its founding in 1994 when she worked the telephones at the local call centre at the Jerry Lewis Telethon.

Sharon began her chapter presidency in April 2006. Through her long-time involvement, she became more aware of the needs of the organization and the various difficulties that chapters face. Travelling to Vancouver for the 2003 Annual Meeting and meeting with other chapter representatives, Sharon realized that the Fundy Chapter has many challenges common to other chapters across Canada.

Sharon knows, as a chapter member and a parent, what the financial and support needs of people with neuromuscular disorders are, as her son Jeffrey has spinal muscular atrophy. Muscular Dystrophy Canada has helped her and her family purchase of equipment and support many other needs – even if it was just to give a shoulder to cry on.

One of Sharon’s greatest achievements so far has been involving her employer Scotiabank in their Chapter’s fundraising efforts. Through the bank’s Employee Volunteer Program, Scotiabank gave $1,000 to the chapter in recognition of Sharon’s volunteer work.  The bank branch at which Sharon works, matched the fundraising efforts during the Buck 4 Luck campaign, and several other co-workers participated as a team during the 2007 Walk for Muscular Dystrophy.

The Fundy Chapter includes 40 clients and 15 volunteers from St. Stephen to Sussex inclusive. The Chapter’s priorities are supporting families affected by neuromuscular disorders; creating awareness by letting the public know what Muscular Dystrophy Canada can do for families and individuals; and to raise money to help fund programs and research.

“Our main challenge is involve families who aren’t involved,” says Sharon. “For the clients who are involved, we are like a big family”. With Sharon’s motivation, and her wonderful personality, the Fundy Chapter is sure to go far.