Thousands Walk In Cheshire To Create A World Free Of Multiple Sclerosis

CHESHIRE, Conn. — More than 6,500 Connecticut residents battle the effects of multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease that affects the central nervous system. In a show of support, each year thousands of loved ones, friends, neighbors and co-workers throughout Cheshire, and surrounding communities, lace up and step out in solidarity for a single cause: to create a world free of MS.

Cheshire High School will host the Cheshire-based 2016 Travelers Walk MS Sunday, April 17. Check-in opens at 9 a.m. in the school’s cafeteria and walkers will step out at 10.

The 2015 Walk MS attracted 10,500 participants and raised $1.4 million, which the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, hopes to duplicate this year.

Last year, more than 2,000 walkers took to the pavement in Cheshire. Together they raised over $286,000. This year, the Cheshire planning committee hopes to raise $293,000.

In 2015 Frank’s Entourage was named Cheshire’s top team, raising $104,995. The site’s top individual walker, Frank Monteiro, raised $86,380.

“Each year Cheshire-area residents come out in large numbers to demonstrate support for those in their community battling multiple sclerosis,” said Michael Branda, senior development manager for the Connecticut Chapter. “Our Cheshire walk site planning committee members do an exceptional job of rallying the troops, bringing people together from all walks of life in a single effort to raise funds to find a cure.”

The 2016 Travelers Walk MS will be held Saturday, April 16, in Fairfield and Sunday, April 17, in Cheshire, Simsbury, Waterford and West Hartford. Participants can also join Walk MS Saturday, April 30, in East Hartford and Stamford and Sunday, May 1, in Litchfield and West Haven. Each walk site will feature both short and long fully-accessible routes.

“This year, our nine walks will be split up over two weekends,” continued Branda. “Weekends can become so valuable to families and our hope is that if there is a conflict for a team on one weekend, there is another walk close by the next weekend.”

At this year’s event, participants in Cheshire will enjoy lunch provided by Subway Restaurants, Coca-Cola and Crystal Rock. The site will also feature an opening stretch led by Mary Thody, music provided by 99.1 PLR and BBPRO, face painting courtesy of Greene-Hills School Art Club and team photos thanks to Ron Kotchman. Bagpipe music will lead walkers out and Joni’s Dance Center of Hamden will welcome walkers back with a special dance performance. While out on the route, complimentary rides will be available back to the Finish Line if needed, courtesy of Dattco in New Britain.

Funds raised at Connecticut Chapter events, such as Walk MS, ensure 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.

Walk MS community partners include WTNH News 8, WFSB Channel 3, Univision, Serendipity Magazine, The Cheshire Herald, Connoisseur Media’s STAR 99.9, WPLR 99.1, WDRC 102.9 and The Fox 95.9, as well as WCTY 97.7, and 99Dollar DJ & Entertainment Service.

There is no fee to register for the 2016 Walk MS. However, participants are encouraged to form teams and raise funds.

To learn more about the 2016 Travelers Walk MS or to register, please visit ctfightsMS.org.

To learn more about multiple sclerosis, its effects, and programs and services offered by the chapter to those living with MS, email programs@ctfightsMS.org or visit ctfightsMS.org.