Hundreds Walk In Waterford To Create A World Free Of Multiple Sclerosis

WATERFORD, 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 hundreds of loved ones, friends, neighbors and co-workers throughout Waterford and surrounding communities, including New London and Groton, step out in solidarity for a single cause: to create a world free of MS.

Camp Harkness will serve as the starting point for the Waterford-based 2016 Travelers Walk MS Sunday, April 17. Check in opens at 9 a.m. at Harkness Hall 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.

Nearly 800 walkers took to the pavement in Waterford last year. Together, they raised more than $89,000. This year, the Waterford planning committee hopes to raise $91,000.

Last year, Team Heather, captained by Old Lyme’s Heather Rumm, was named Waterford’s top team, raising $14,338.

“This year Waterford-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 Connecticut Chapter. “Our Waterford 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 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 Waterford site will also feature music provided by 97.7 WCTY, face painting, henna tattoos and team photos thanks to Sutton Design & Photography.

Also of note this year, Old Lyme’s Braiden Sunshine, finalist on NBC’s The Voice, will be singing the National Anthem before the start of the walk. Sunshine will be walking with family friend Heather Rumm, captain of Team Heather, and will perform a few songs post-walk during lunch.

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 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.