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MS Walk

submitted by Diana
February 26, 2010 | 05:42 PM





	Participants walk at the start of the 2009 Walk MS in Westport. The 2010 Travelers Walk MS, presented by Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, takes place Sunday, April 18, at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport and n (click for larger version)

WESTPORT, Conn., - More than 6,000 Connecticut residents live with the effects of MS. In a show of support, each year hundreds of loved ones, friends, neighbors and co-workers throughout Westport and surrounding communities – including Fairfield, Greenwich and Stamford – lace up and step out in solidarity to a single cause: to end the potentially devastating effects of MS.

Sherwood Island State Park will, for the second year, host the Travelers MS Walk, presented by the Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Sunday, April 18. Check-in opens at 9 a.m. Participants will step out at 10 a.m. Lunch will be provided compliments of Subway, Coca-Cola and Crystal Rock.

Last year nearly 1,200 Westport participants raised $176,925. The top school team Sacred Hearts for HOPE raised $15,632 and the top walker Peter Porrino, of Westport, raised $9,000. The 2009 Travelers Walk MS brought together 9,335 participants statewide and raised $1.16 million. This year's fundraising goal is $1.22 million. Funds raised at chapter events, such as the Travelers Walk MS, ensure the ongoing scientific research to find a cure and provide for the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to Connecticut residents affected by MS.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Symptoms can range from numbness in the extremities, loss of vision and, in severe cases total paralysis. The progression, severity, and specific symptoms of any one person cannot be predicted. Currently, the cause is unknown, as a result no cure exists, but advances in research and treatments are providing hope to those affected by the disease. In Fairfield County 1,368 residents live with multiple sclerosis. More than 400,000 Americans nationwide are diagnosed with MS.

Travelers Walk MS community partners include WTNH News Channel 8/My TV 9, Clear Channel Radio Connecticut, to include The River 105.9, Country 92.5, KISS 95.7, ESPN 1410 AM, KC 101.3, 960 WELI and ESPN 1300 AM. Other community partners include 95.9 THE FOX and WCTY 97.7. To learn more about the Travelers Walk MS, presented by Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center or to pre-register, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org. Learn more about multiple sclerosis, its effects, and programs and services offered by the chapter to those living with MS by e-mailing programs@ctfightsMS.org or visiting www.ctfightsMS.org.