HARTFORD, Conn. – Many people are unaware what multiple sclerosis is until it hits too close to home and a loved one is diagnosed. That was the case for Cromwell’s Ashley Wheeler whose mother, Kathy, in 2011 was diagnosed with a progressive form of the disease.
“Her condition rapidly impacted our lives as she went from a cane, to a walker, to a wheelchair in less than five years,” Wheeler explained about her mother’s progressive diagnosis and symptoms.
Wheeler was only 18 and a senior in high school when her mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Inspired, she quickly joined the search for a cure to assist those who are impacted by this illness. Within a year, Wheeler and her three sisters enthusiastically decided to take part in their first Walk MS with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter.
“When we first created the Cure For Kath Walk MS team we had upwards of 15 people walking beside my mother,” said Ashley, team creator. “Now that we have been doing the walk as a family for several years, we are up to 50 people taking part in our team and we hope it will continue to grow in the future.”
This year, Team Kath will step out in the 2015 Walk MS, presented by Travelers, which takes place the weekends of April 18 and 19, or April 25 and 26 in 11 locations across Connecticut, with a goal of raising $1.4 million. More than 10,000 participants came out to support last year’s Walk MS in Connecticut, many sporting their team shirts with spirit and pride.
In conjunction with her family, Wheeler looks forward to the Walk MS more and more each year as they join forces with the masses to achieve a common goal. Walk MS provides participants with the chance to meet families similar to their own which provides comfort, strength and perseverance for those who are affected.
“Our favorite part of the walk is seeing our mother interact and talk to those who are going through the same thing she is,” explained Ashley. “It is a day we all get together for fun while helping those currently impacted by this terrible disease.”
Of course, MS is a serious disease, with which more than 6,300 people in Connecticut live. 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.
All of the funds raised throughout the walk are essential to the research and awareness of MS. The funds raised through Connecticut Chapter events, such as Walk MS, ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and provide for the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to Connecticut residents affected by MS.
Knowing the burden of MS firsthand, Wheeler along with her family will pursue the fight to find a cure for MS as they participate in the East Hartford walk at Rentschler Field. Team Kath anticipates upwards of 50 participants with a goal of raising more than $1,000. Wheeler continues her ongoing efforts to support the cause as the administrative assistant at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter.
Walk MS community partners include News 8, WUVN/WHTX Univision and WUTH Telefutura and Connoisseur Media’s STAR 99.9, WPLR 99.1, WDRC 102.9, The Fox 95.9, as well as I Heart Media Connecticut’s The River 105.9, WCTY 97.7, La Puertorriqueñisima 1120 AM and 99Dollar DJ & Entertainment Service.
“In the beginning of my mother’s diagnosis I did not see a difference with her condition or know much about the disease,” said Ashley, as she expresses the difficulties of knowing someone with progressive MS. “Now that it has been five years and she is currently in a wheelchair it is imperative we find a cure together as the progression can be rather quick.”
The 2015 Walk MS, presented by Travelers, will be held Saturday, April 18, in Enfield, Fairfield and Madison, and Sunday, April 19, in Cheshire, Waterford and West Hartford. Participants can also join Walk MS on Saturday, April 25 in East Hartford and Sunday, April 26, in Litchfield, Simsbury, Stamford and West Haven.
For more information on the 2015 Walk MS visit www.ctfightsMS.org.