Geoghegan, along with her family, will host her first-ever fundraising event at Coyote Mavericks Country Sports Bar and Grill.

BETHEL, Conn. - Compassion. This is what pushes Jeannie Geoghegan of Bethel to join the fight against MS in her own, unique way.

On Wednesday, April 18, Geoghegan, along with her family, will host her first-ever fundraising event at Coyote Mavericks Country Sports Bar and Grill, famous for its zesty wings and known as the only true country destination in the Greater Danbury area. The event, held at the Coyote Mavericks’ location on Newtown Road, will run from 8 to 11 p.m. with all of the proceeds going directly to her Walk MS team.

Members of the Mountain Movers Walk MS fundraising team pose at last year's Walk MS. The team will step out again this year at a new site in Danbury, one of 12 sites at this year's Travelers Walk MS, presented by North American Power. For more information or to register, please visit ctfightsMS.org.

For only a cover charge of $5 a person, people are guaranteed to enjoy a night full of fabulous live entertainment on the KICKS 105.5FM stage and various chances to win raffles from local business.

“Words cannot explain how excited I am for my fundraising event,” said Geoghegan who came up with the idea a few months ago. “I’ve been getting some great feedback about it and looking at all the pledges shows me it’s all going to be worthwhile.”

Since her first encounter with MS in 1997, Geoghegan and her family have captained several Walk MS teams for over 10 years and just recently adopted the team name “Mountain Movers.” Their personal connection to multiple sclerosis has motivated them every year to step out and make a difference for those who battle MS each and every day. Geoghan’s team is made up of mostly family and close friends.

“When I found out how MS can affect people in so many different ways, I realized I needed to get involved,” explained Geoghegan about the unpredictable nature of the disease. “I’ve gone from doing an MS presentation in my high school to creating my very own fundraising event! It makes me feel so great to see just how much I’ve educated myself about this disease.”

More than 6,000 Connecticut residents live with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness and tingling in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness, loss of mobility and, in some more severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.

Last year’s Travelers Walk MS attracted nearly 10,000 participants and raised a record $1.36 million. Funds raised at chapter events, such as Walk MS, ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments and a cure. These funds also provide for the continuation of much-needed programs and services offered by the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, to those in the state living with multiple sclerosis.

This year the walk event is expected to raise $1.45 million. The 2012 Travelers Walk MS, presented by North American Power, will be held Sunday, April 22, at 12 sites statewide, including Cheshire, Clinton, Enfield, Litchfield, Manchester, New London, Simsbury, Stamford, West Hartford, West Haven, Westport and one newly added location, Danbury. Participants can select to walk either 2.5 miles or five. Participants are encouraged to form teams and raise funds to support ongoing MS research. Finish line activities include a complimentary lunch by Subway and Coca-Cola.

Geoghegan’s fundraiser is an example of Do It Yourself fundraising. The Connecticut Chapter receives numerous inquiries each year from individuals and organizations wishing to stage their own fundraising events to help in the fight against MS. These volunteer-coordinated events are run by interested volunteers independently from the chapter, and can include golf tournaments, bake sales, wine tastings, casual dress days and more.

Travelers Walk MS community partners include News 8, WUVN Univision, Clear Channel Radio Connecticut, to include 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 Connecticut Cruise News.

For more information on the Travelers Walk MS, to register or to donate to Geoghegan’s Walk MS team, Mountain Movers, visit www.ctfightsMS.org.

4/13/12

Veronica Romo is currently conducting an internship with the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Spanish at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT.