On Saturday, August 20, Norwalk resident Kimberly Oeding plans to cast out multiple sclerosis by reeling in a few fish from Long Island Sound. She is inviting the public to join her in the cause by participating in the Northwestern Mutual-Norwalk office’s first ever Charity Blue Fish Derby.
 
"I have two family members who are living with multiple sclerosis, as well as dear a friend who suffers from the disease," said Oeding. "I can't just stand by and watch. I need to do something to help."
 
More than 6,500 Connecticut residents have self-identified with the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, as living with MS. The cause is unknown and there is currently no cure. Symptoms can include numbness 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.
 
Oeding and her sister-in-law Tina Reynolds have participated in the National MS Society's biggest fundraiser, Walk MS, but have decided that this summer they would organize their own blue fish derby to raise funds for the organization that provides programs, services, and support for individuals and families affected by MS.
 
"I have a history of organizing events, and I wanted my Northwestern Mutual-Norwalk office, to get behind the cause," shared Oeding. "That combined with my family's love for Long Island Sound and fishing, as well as my brother Kevin owning his own fishing charter boat, led me to the idea of a fishing derby."
 
Kim's brother Kevin Reynolds, captain of the Snowgoose 2, a charter fishing service, will provide rides for those without their own boat who would like to participate. Fishing will begin at 8 a.m. and all fish must be weighed and tagged by 2 p.m. The first weigh-in time will be noon, at four weighing stations, in Greenwich, Cos Cob, Stamford and Port Chester, New York.
 
Grand prize for the event is a $1,500 cash prize. The second and third place finishers will receive a basket of assorted sponsor gift cards, valued at $750 and $500 respectively. There will also be a 50/50 raffle available at all four weighing locations. Due to multiple weigh-in stations, winners will be contacted via telephone and prizes will be hand delivered to the winner's home.
 
Oeding's goal is to have 200 participants for the event and she hopes to raise $20,000. For those who are unable to fish, online donations are welcome.
 
"You never know how an illness, like MS, could affect your family, your loved ones or your friends," said Oeding. "We need to be prepared. Life can throw curve balls, and with a disease like MS, it can take a village to get the support you need. This is my way of inviting the community to get involved, while enjoying something fun."
 
Registration for the event is $25 per adult, and $10 per child. For more details, to register or to make a donation, visit main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/MeadowsFinancial or contact Kim Oeding at 203.945.5877 or Katarina Varga at 203.945.5865.