Waterford Walk MS Team Reaches Celebrity Status

WATERFORD, Conn. – This year, in addition to Team Heather’s usually commanding presence at Walk MS with 100 plus walkers, captain Heather Rumm has invited a local celebrity and friend to join her team.

Many people recognize Old Lyme’s Braiden Sunshine as a talented contestant from season nine of NBC’s The Voice. But to the Rumm family, Braiden is a kind-hearted young man who has always offered to do what he can to help fight multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease that Rumm was diagnosed with in 2011.

The Sunshine and Rumm families first came together when Braiden recruited Heather Rumm’s son, Noah, to play drums in his band, Stone Creek. The boys worked together on the project for two years before The Voice took Braiden’s act on the road to Hollywood.

“I first learned that Heather had MS when we were performing at a summer barbecue to thank all of her team members for participating in Walk MS,” shared Braiden. “When I began to understand what the cause was all about, I took the $20 I had out of my wallet and gave it to her as a donation. It was all I could do at the time, but I wanted to be sure I did something.”

This year, Braiden is helping out Team Heather in more ways than one – in addition to joining the team and walking in the event which will take place Sunday, April 17, at Camp Harkness in Waterford, he will also be singing the national anthem at the ribbon cutting ceremony and will perform a short acoustic set after the walk. 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.

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.

“I am happy to support everything that Heather does,” continued Braiden. “The Rumm family is altogether so gracious, kind and giving. It’s no wonder so many people come out to support Heather’s team.”

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.

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