Feb 20, 2009
Limestone College to Host Carolinas Challenge Walk MS
Liz Vinson
GAFFNEY, S.C. – A dedicated group will unite for a shared cause this May, embarking on a heart-pounding challenge to walk 50 miles in just 3 days. The 9th annual Carolinas Challenge Walk MS, will be kicking of its 3 day event on May 28, 2009 at Limestone College in Gaffney, SC. Limestone will serve as one of nine Challenge Walk sites throughout the U.S. The event, a 3-day, 50-mile trek on foot that raises money for multiple sclerosis research and programs, is seeking Challenge Walkers as well as volunteers to host rest stops, provide food service, mark routes, and other jobs.
"We've been all over the state of South Carolina with this event, and parts of North Carolina, and no community has been so welcoming and so energetic on the front end of this event as Gaffney and Limestone, so it's very encouraging for us," said Matt Honeycutt, vice president of corporate and community development for the Mid-Atlantic chapter of the National MS Society.
The Carolinas Challenge Walk, hosted each year by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, is an extraordinary opportunity to test strength and spirit, all while making an enormous difference in the lives of over 400,000 Americans living with multiple sclerosis. Accepting a challenge to push their own physical limits and mental strength, they will undoubtedly cross the finish line of the Carolinas Challenge Walk MS tired, sore, and hungry. Yet despite their exhaustion, they will find reason to celebrate, because their journey will ultimately shorten the road to a cure for multiple sclerosis.
The fully-supported event includes rest stops every three miles, water stops every mile and a half, plenty of support vehicles, 24-hours medical staff, and festivities for the entire family. Meals and lodging in Limestone's residence halls also will be provided. Each Challenge Walker raises a minimum of $1500 to fight MS, and has full access to team web pages and convenient fundraising e-tools through the National MS Society.
Money raised by the Carolinas Challenge Walk funds promising research aimed at finding the cause and cure for MS and pays for services and programs for over 7,400 people with MS in the chapter area. The Mid-Atlantic Chapter serves 33 counties of North Carolina and the entire state of South Carolina. For more information about walking or volunteering, contact Jolly Johnson at (800) 477-2955, option 2, jolly.johnson@nmss.org, or visit nationalMSsociety.org/hope.
About Limestone College
Limestone College is a four-year, liberal arts institution in Gaffney, SC. Established in 1845, Limestone offers bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, bachelor of social work, associate of arts, and associate of science degrees through traditional and non-traditional educational opportunities. For more info go to http://www.limestone.edu/