If you enjoy getting outdoors and taking a nice walk and at that same time support the worthy cause of fighting Multiple Sclerosis, then “Walk MS: Williamsport” might be just the thing for you.

Teams will lace up again this year to support the National MS Society’s: The “Walk MS: Williamsport” event will be held, Saturday, May 4 at Penn College, Field House. The Walk site will open at 10 a.m., and the walk begins at 11 a.m.

They are offering both one and three-mile routes. They will offer food, refreshments and live music by 93.3 WBZD Classic Hits to all participants.

Each dollar raised is one step closer to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s goal of a world free of MS. Since its inception in 1988, Walk MS has cumulatively raised more than $1 billion.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. The cause of MS is still unknown — scientists believe an as-yet-unidentified environmental factor triggers the disease in a person who is genetically predisposed to respond.

The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease.

Julie Rothrauff, a specialist with the National MS Society Walk MS, said this is a national fundraiser and a charity event in which people do not have to pay a fee to participate.
“A lot of the proceeds raised go to support people living with MS and helping them to have a better quality of life,” Rothrauff told Webb Weekly.

The National MS Society offers many resources. Anything from making handicapped-accessible modifications to homes, providing financial assistance with utilities, or supplying air conditioners during the summer months for those with MS, since they are very heat-sensitive.

The Society also supports those in crisis situations who need food and shelter.

The National MS Society has the MS Navigator Program. This program is support for people affected by MS. They can reach out by calling: 1-800-344-4867 or ContactUsNMSS@nmss.org or NationalMSsociety.org/navigator

There are also local support groups that aid MS patients. The local group meets the fourth Wednesday at the River Valley Regional YMCA.

Stephanie Johnson is a co-moderator for one of these support groups and River Valley Regional YMCA recently honored her at their annual dinner. She was the Success Story Speaker at the dinner. This highlights someone in the branch who the Y has helped in any aspect of life grow whether it is physically, mentally and emotionally.

“I am honored to have been recognized by the Y as a success story. The YMCA has been an integral part of my daily lifestyle for many years, and I owe much of my health to them,” Johnson said. “My family and friends are proud that I am able to serve as an ambassador of the YMCA and exemplify its mission.”

This year for Walk MS, they will “raise the bar” for their financial goal. They would like to reach $32,000.00. Last year’s walk raised more than $29,000. Come out and join the fun May 4 and show your support for those affected by MS.

For participants diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Walk MS is an opportunity to learn about National MS Society services and to connect with others living with MS.

The Living with MS program, nationally sponsored by Sanofi Genzyme, honors those who are diagnosed with MS and participate in Walk MS.

Participants will receive a Living with MS t-shirt and can connect with others who understand what it is like to live with MS.

To join and participate in the Living with MS program, simply indicate that you have MS during registration.

The MS Society provides a multitude of services for those living with MS including support, access to MS healthcare, connection to programs like self-help groups, one-to-one peer connection programs, and online community, educational webinar and more. They host a variety of programs annually across the country. You can find out more at nationalMSsociety.org/calendar.

“To End MS, We Walk MS.”