Article Contributed on: 4/24/2008 5:57:52 PM
People across Colorado will be walking to support a world free of multiple sclerosis (MS) in May as they participate in one of 11 fundraising walks held throughout the state by the Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society.
This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Denver MS Lifelines Walk MS presented by Wells Fargo, which will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at Denver's City Park. Participants can choose to walk 1.5 or three- mile loops. Check-in begins at 7 a.m. with a start time of 9 a.m. Prizes, food and entertainment add to the festivities. Walkers will also have a unique opportunity to visit the "Experience Tent," which allows people to 'experience' what it is like to have MS through the use of experiential items such as water flippers, scratched glasses and latex gloves.
"Our 20th anniversary Walk MS promises a day of fun-filled activities for families throughout Colorado," said Carrie Nolan, Colorado Chapter President. "Walk MS began in Colorado in 1988 as a way to raise funds for much needed research and programs for those in Colorado who are living with MS. Today programs such as information and referrals, care management, financial assistance and advocacy are making a difference in the lives of Coloradans with MS and their families.
"Each year funds raised from our Walk MS are also invested into MS research which is bringing researchers closer to finding the cause of, and cure for, MS," Nolan said. "Colorado has one of the highest prevalence of MS in the nation and every step taken during these walks moves us closer to conquering this elusive disease. We are extremely grateful for the support of our sponsors, MS Lifelines, Wells Fargo, Acorda Therapeutics and Godin Baity. The commitment shared by these organizations and our walkers ensures that one day we will reach our common goal of curing this disease," she emphasized.
In addition to the MS Lifelines MS Walk presented by Wells Fargo in Denver, MS Walks will also be held in Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Pueblo, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Longmont, Loveland, Summit County, Glenwood Springs and Winter Park.
The annual MS Walk events draw thousands of participants each year who raise funds that support programs, services and research that benefit more than 70,000 Coloradans affected by MS. The Colorado Chapter is also a driving force of research for the prevention, treatment and cure of MS and contributes funds to support 440 National MS Society research projects worldwide - six of which are located in Colorado. The chapter has offices in Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs and Grand Junction serving the Colorado community.
For more information walk times and dates for all Colorado walks, or to register, visit www.curemscolorado.org