Walk for Multiple Sclerosis

Walk for Multiple Sclerosis

The National MS Society hosts 12 Walks throughout Northern California, including Santa Rosa on April 21^st.  This year Walk MS Santa Rosa will celebrate a newly improved accessible site at Maria Carrillo High School with a fun crazy hat contest, DJ and silent auction. Registration begins at 8:00 am and the Walk starts at 9:00 am.  We are always welcoming more walkers and volunteers -- if you’re looking to join the party, visit www.walkMSnorcal.org to register online.

Walk MS raises money for local programs, services and research that support over 1,000 people in the North Bay who have multiple sclerosis (MS). Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease that affects the central nervous system by attacking the myelin sheath protecting nerve fibers. This is a prime of life disease -- typically people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. More women are diagnosed with MS by 3-1.  To learn more about MS, visit www.nationalmssociety.org.

Although there is still no cure for MS, effective treatment strategies are available and more breakthroughs in research are providing hope for those living with the disease today. In 2012, The Northern California Chapter had more than 8,000 participate in Walk MS raising over $1.5 million for education, advocacy, research and local programs that enhance the quality of life for people with MS and their families. Participants filled the roads with orange (MS awareness color), each with their own story to tell about why they were out for the cause.

Novato resident, Vicki Campbell, volunteers on the Walk MS Committee and is Co-Facilitator of the Marin County MS Self-Help Group because she has MS and was diagnosed 12 years ago.  “I volunteer to be positive and show my support, and to encourage others to get out and raise awareness.  MS adds an element of uncertainty to every day, so by doing something positive and fun like the MS Walk, we don’t feel powerless against the disease.”

Another way to show support is to come to Brews and Blues Against MS! Lagunitas Brewery in Petaluma has joined the movement by donating all the beer proceeds on April 9^th from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM to the National MS Society.