The National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Ohio Buckeye Chapter is hosting Walk MS: Wooster 2010 Saturday, April 17.† The event begins with registration at 8 a.m. at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center’s Fisher Auditorium.† Walkers will follow a three mile route through the OARDC’s campus and Secrest Arboretum.
Several Wooster Greek organizations are participating in this year’s event.† Alpha Gamma Phi, Delta Theta Psi, and Zeta Phi Gamma sororities have formed teams to raise money and walk at this year’s event.† Alpha Gamma Phi team captain Emily Perbix ’13 says that this is the first year the group has participated in the walk.† Perbix and her organization have been active during the spring semester raising sponsorship from family and friends.† As of press time, the organization had raised $380 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
According to Perbix, the Society “funds more MS research than any other organization,” and she says money raised for the Society “funds research, education, programs and services.”† The Ohio Buckeye chapter’s Web site states, “Walk MS is our rallying point, a time and a place for us to stand together and to be together. To help raise critical funds that support cutting edge research, drive change through advocacy, facilitate professional education and provide programs and services to help people with MS move their lives forward.”
The National MS Society is an umbrella organization supervising all 50 states’ individual chapters.† It seeks to raise money to combat MS through research.† According to the mission statement on the Society’s website, the organization seeks to “move together to live in a world free of MS.”† The organization was founded in the 1940s by Manhattanite Sylvia Lawry, who sought treatment and a cure for her brother’s illness.
A complex neurological disorder, the cause and cure of MS still eludes scientists.† MS manifests itself differently in patients, but is typically characterized by an abnormal autoimmune process.† The disorder’s symptoms include fatigue, numbness, balance and coordination issues, impaired vision and cognitive function, and dizziness and vertigo.† Treatment for MS usually attempts to manage the disease’s symptoms, improve quality of life and modify the disease course.† In order to raise money for research dedicated to finding a cure, the National MS Society organizes biking and walking events as well as other fundraising activities to support its mission.† The Ohio Buckeye Chapter also provides programs and services for those suffering from MS, such as financial assistance, counseling, home care, equipment and transportation, and emotional health programs.
Pre-registration for the Walk† has closed, but individuals still interested in participating may register on-site.† The Ohio Buckeye chapter also sponsors a Virtual Walk MS for those interested in fundraising who cannot participate in the walk.† To contribute to the organization, visit www.walkoha.nationalmssociety.org.