ENFIELD, Conn. – More than 6,000 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 Enfield and surrounding communities, including Windsor and Springfield, step out in solidarity for a single cause: to end the effects of MS.
Enfield’s J.F.K. Middle School will serve as the starting point for the 2014 Walk MS, presented by Travelers, which will be held Sunday, April 6. Check in begins at 8 a.m. in the school’s cafeteria and walkers will step out at 9 a.m.
The 2013 Walk MS attracted more 10,000 participants. The National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter hopes to raise $1.3 million this year.
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Over 400 participants took to the pavement in Enfield last year. Together, they raised $25,716. This year, the Enfield planning committee hopes to raise $29,000.
The Hoopster’s Boosters Walk MS team, captained by Karen Hooper, was named Enfield’s top team, raising $6,446. Karen Hooper was named top individual fundraiser, having raised $4,476.
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“Each year Enfield-area residents come out in large numbers to demonstrate support for those in their community battling multiple sclerosis,” said Karen E. Butler, National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter vice president of marketing and public relations. “Our Enfield 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 2014 Walk MS, presented by Travelers, will be held Saturday, April 5, and Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 12 sites across the state.
At this year’s event, enjoy lunch provided by Coca Cola and Subway. The Enfield site will also feature an opening stretch courtesy of Healthtrax, music provided by Brian Zaine of Z-Man Productions, balloon animals courtesy of Clowning from the Heart, face painting, and photos courtesy of Snap Shots Unlimited ™ LLC. The Enfield Fire Department and Enfield EMS will also be joining the festivities and Integrity Martial Arts, LLC will be performing as well.
Funds raised by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter, through events, such as Walk MS, presented by Travelers, ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments and a cure, and provide vital programs and services offered by the chapter.
Walk MS community partners include News 8, WUVN/WHTX Univision and WUTH Telefutura and Clear Channel Radio Connecticut, which includes The River 105.9, Country 92.5, KISS 95.7, ESPN 1410 AM, KC 101.3, 960 WELI, and ESPN 1300 AM. Other community partners include 95.9 The FOX, WCTY 97.7 and La Puertorriqueñisima 1120 AM.
There is no fee to register for the 2014 Walk MS. However, participants are encouraged to form teams and raise funds.
To learn more about the 2014 Walk MS, presented by Travelers, or to register, please visit www.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 www.ctfightsMS.org.
