In March, Rowan County residents will step out against multiple sclerosis, a chronic illness affecting 400,000 Americans, 8,000 of whom live in the Carolinas.
The annual Walk MS: Salisbury event, a 1-5 mile community walk, raises money and awareness to help people with multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system for which there is no cure. Last yearís event drew 100 participants and raised $21,000 to fight MS.
2011 Walk MS: Salisbury ó one of 15 Walk MS events across the region ó will take place March 26, starting at 9 a.m. at the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA. There is no cost to walk, but participants are encouraged to raise funds prior to the walk.
Funds benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to help people with MS continue to live meaningful, productive lives and to support national research for better treatments and a cure.
Suzanne Bland, executive vice president of development for the National MS Societyís Mid-Atlantic Chapter, says, ěWe are excited about the start of the 2011 Walk MS season. There is no shortage of effort or courage in the MS community. With the continued support of the surrounding communities, we are confident that we will get closer to a world free of MS.î
In addition to event participants, the chapter is seeking corporate sponsors to ensure that the largest possible percentage of funds raised by the event goes directly to benefit people with MS, and volunteers to help with festivities, food, route marking, and medic stations. For details or to register, visit www.carolinaswalkMS.org.