Allie Sherwin was barely a toddler when her mom, Susan, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Nearly two decades later, her mom is dealing with primary progressive MS – meaning there are no relapses or remissions on the horizon, only a steady progression of the disease.
“Her mobility is affected, and she has a hard time walking,” Sherwin explained, noting it has been difficult watching her mom’s condition steadily worsen.
Now, with the financial support of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and KRG Children’s Charitable Foundation, Sherwin has come to Western to focus her time on studying the illness that has affected her family ever since she can remember.
Sherwin, whose family is from Toronto, is the first recipient of the MS Society’s Follow the Leader scholarship, an award meant to support high-achieving youth whose lives have been affected by MS.
The scholarship’s selection committee evaluated applicants who plan to complete a postsecondary degree in the areas of science, technology, engineering or math – academic streams that directly influence ongoing work to end MS. The award is valued at $100,000; Sherwin will receive $25,000 for each year of her Social Science degree at Western.
“It’s very generous, and I’m planning on doing research in MS, on the cognition side. I’m interested in other aspects of it, too, like neural plasticity,” she said.
“And this is giving me the opportunity to focus on my work. This way, instead of maybe getting a summer job to help pay for my tuition, I can work in a lab. It’s also a way to encourage people who might be interested in science and research, to maybe just think about their careers, and pursue them while being an advocate for the MS Society.”
Sherwin accepted her offer from Western before hearing the news about the scholarship. She loved the campus and what the school offered, but when she learned she would be getting the scholarship, Western became an even better fit because of the Brain & Mind Institute and the London MS Clinic.
“That turned out really well. There are so many opportunities here; it’s exciting,” she said. “I’ve already met a researcher – Sarah Morrow – who does research in MS and cognition. She’s doing a speech seminar, and she’s potentially one of the people I could work with here.”
Morrow, a Neurology professor at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, studies cognitive dysfunction in MS, epidemiology of MS and corticosteroid treatment for MS.
As for Sherwin’s mom, she couldn’t be prouder of the path and opportunities set before her daughter.
“She’s so excited. When she found out I was chosen, she was really proud and excited I’ve been given this opportunity. I think it makes her happy, that I have this opportunity and want to do this research,” Sherwin explained.
Sylvia Leonard, President (Ontario Division) and National Vice-President, Programs Services, with the MS Society of Canada, said the award is all about the future.
“I know we are playing a vital role in supporting the young MS researchers and leaders of the future. I can’t wait to see what Allie accomplishes over the next four years at Western,” Leonard said. “We will be by her side, following and sharing her progress.”