Apr 09, 2009
Northern California Walk MS on April 18, 19, 25 and 26 (Media Release)
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Northern California Chapter announced it will hold its annual Walk MS fundraiser this April in eleven Northern California sites. This year, Walk MS is estimated to raise $1.75 million locally and $61 million nationally to fund MS research and direct services. Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system with no known cause, cure or prevention. Registration is now open at walk.msconnection.org.
Walkers are encouraged to solicit sponsors to raise funds; the average walker in 2008 raised $350 – however there is no charge to be a walker. Walkers can earn prizes, including T-shirts, apparel, and electronics. At last year’s Walk MS events, 6,380 people walked and raised $1.5 million.
With 11 walk sites in Northern California and over 600 sites across the country, Walk MS not only funds critical research to find a cure for MS but also ensures that the over 20,000 people living with MS in Northern California have what they need to keep moving forward. This year we will be hosting Walk MS events in the following locations:
April 18th: San Jose
April 19th: Monterey Bay
April 25th: Alameda, Eureka, Modesto, Rocklin/Roseville, Yuba City
April 26th: San Francisco, Walnut Creek, Sacramento, Santa Rosa
“My son was diagnosed at the age of 22 with MS in 1988. I started immediately helping with Walk MS,” said Judy Block, 2009 San Jose Walk MS Ambassador, who has raised over $75,000 for Walk MS to date. “After his diagnosis I felt so helpless and found Walk MS was something I could do where it would make a difference. This disease is devastating. I am motivated to help find a cure so others, like my son, will not have to go through this. I am encouraged by the research that is being done with MS. By participating in Walk MS, I feel like I am a part of it.”
Free snacks and beverages will be provided to walkers, plus music and a festive finish line celebration. A light lunch will be provided by Subway. This year our sponsors include: MS LifeLines, Acorda Therapeutics, Pop Chips, Crystal Geyser Water, Subway, Yelp, NBC 11, and Rainmaker Systems. Other sponsorship opportunities are still available.
Now in its 20th year in Northern California, Walk MS is known for drawing a large number of teams representing businesses, neighborhoods, clubs, community groups, churches and family members and friends of a person with MS. Many teams come up with a team name and outfit their members with costumes, including T-shirts, hats or balloons. All it takes is four or more people to form a team.
Walk MS also needs volunteers and groups are welcome. For more information, contact Shannon at 415-230-6678, extension 2020 to discuss.
For more information about Walk MS or to register, visit walk.msconnection.org or call 1-800-344-4867 or email walk@msconnection.org.