Hundreds Walk In East Hartford To Create A World Free Of Multiple Sclerosis

EAST HARTFORD, 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 more than 1,000 loved ones, friends, neighbors and co-workers throughout East Hartford and surrounding communities, including Manchester, Glastonbury and Vernon, will step out in solidarity for a single cause: to create a world free of MS.

Rentschler Field will host the East Hartford-based 2016 Travelers Walk MS Saturday, April 30. Walkers will check in at 9 a.m. at the East Gate and 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, nearly 1,200 participants took to the pavement in East Hartford. Together, they raised more than $94,000. This year in East Hartford, the planning committee hopes to raise $114,000.

Team JENGA, captained by East Hartford’s Lois Gottlieb, was named East Hartford’s top team in 2015, raising $19,779.

“This year East Hartford-area residents are expected to step out in large numbers to demonstrate support for those in their community battling multiple sclerosis,” said Michael Branda, senior development manager for the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter. “Our East Hartford walk site planning committee members do an exceptional job 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 on 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 can enjoy lunch provided by Coca Cola and Subway. The East Hartford site will also feature an opening stretch courtesy of BODYROC in West Hartford, music provided by The Whale 102.9, a bounce house, face painting and team photos thanks to Bill Shea. In addition RHAM Youth Football Cheerleaders of Hebron will be present to cheer on participants.

Funds raised by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter, through events, such as Walk MS ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments, a cure and provide vital programs and services offered by the chapter.

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.