Walking for a cure
By Ashley Kresky
Issue date: 2/18/08 Section: Features
Seventeen walks, one destination: a world free of multiple sclerosis (MS). The Greater Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is looking for enthusiastic individuals to walk, start a team or volunteer to help plan their 20th annual MS Walk at the West Goshen Township Park on Sunday, April 27.
For the past 20 years, the MS Society has hosted 17 walks annually across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This year, there will be MS walks in seven different locations on, April 27 and 10 on, May 4.
The goal of this year's walk is to raise a record-breaking $3 million to fund research programs and services for the 11,000 people living with MS in the Greater Delaware Valley area.
According to WebMD, multiple sclerosis, is an autoimmune disease that mistakenly attacks the brain and spinal cord, which may result in loss of muscle control, vision, balance and sensation. The brain becomes unable to send and receive messages, and this breakdown of communication causes the symptoms of MS.
The disease is not genetic nor is it contagious. It is chronic and unpredictable, affecting 2.5 million people worldwide, as stated by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The majority of people diagnosed with MS do not become severely disabled and generally have a normal life expectancy.
Each year, 500 supporters come out to join the movement at the West Goshen Township Park. Registration begins at 9 a.m. on the morning of the walk.
There are three different opportunities to walk for a great cause, the first of which is a Kids Fun Run at 9:30 a.m. Children ages 12 and under have the chance to run approximately 75 yards in support of MS. A 2K walk begins at 10 a.m. followed by a 5K Run at 10:30 a.m.
Along the way, plenty of replenishing snacks and drinks will be available, followed by a lunch time celebration at each finish line. This year's MS Walk is also filled with celebratory entertainment in honor of its anniversary with musical performances by Steve Liberace and Michael Kropp.
For the past 20 years, the MS Society has hosted 17 walks annually across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This year, there will be MS walks in seven different locations on, April 27 and 10 on, May 4.
The goal of this year's walk is to raise a record-breaking $3 million to fund research programs and services for the 11,000 people living with MS in the Greater Delaware Valley area.
According to WebMD, multiple sclerosis, is an autoimmune disease that mistakenly attacks the brain and spinal cord, which may result in loss of muscle control, vision, balance and sensation. The brain becomes unable to send and receive messages, and this breakdown of communication causes the symptoms of MS.
The disease is not genetic nor is it contagious. It is chronic and unpredictable, affecting 2.5 million people worldwide, as stated by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The majority of people diagnosed with MS do not become severely disabled and generally have a normal life expectancy.
Each year, 500 supporters come out to join the movement at the West Goshen Township Park. Registration begins at 9 a.m. on the morning of the walk.
There are three different opportunities to walk for a great cause, the first of which is a Kids Fun Run at 9:30 a.m. Children ages 12 and under have the chance to run approximately 75 yards in support of MS. A 2K walk begins at 10 a.m. followed by a 5K Run at 10:30 a.m.
Along the way, plenty of replenishing snacks and drinks will be available, followed by a lunch time celebration at each finish line. This year's MS Walk is also filled with celebratory entertainment in honor of its anniversary with musical performances by Steve Liberace and Michael Kropp.
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