For my entire life, I have always known someone with MS. My paternal grandfather had it, and about a year ago I met someone who has become very close to me who does as well. It’s a horrible disease, stealing mobility and physical functionality from the formerly physically fit. Finding a cure (or at least an easier way of getting around) has become a cause very near and dear to my heart. Toronto’s Brian Light, who had been an avid volleyball player until his diagnosis, refused to take it sitting down, however, and now there is hope for everyone.

His award-winning sports walker offers support for the legs and also a solid means of balancing, freeing up the hands to play (in his case) volleyball. It features a harness worn around the user’s waist, and six legs that spread out to provide a support structure. Each leg ends in a wheel, allowing it to be easily moved about a playing court. Last year, he submitted his design to Merck Serono Pharmaceutical’s Real MS: Your Innovation design competition, and out of over 100 entries he was declared the winner.

Part of the prize was a chance to work with a design team to make a prototype for possible production and worldwide availability. I can’t say enough good things about this, and I also cannot express how much I hope it comes to fruition. If you know someone who has multiple sclerosis, you know how heartbreaking it is to see what it does to their ability to do simple things like stand up or walk a few feet. Sure, there are wheelchairs and scooters, but this walker would open up a whole new world of mobility. It makes my heart happy just knowing it’s a possibility.

Source: Gizmag