For Immediate Release

March 15, 2015

Contact: Courtney Kilmer
(716) 489-6944
courtney.kilmer@otterbein.edu

2015 Walk MS: Columbus, OH

WESTERVILLE - Coming up on April 11, 2015 is the annual Walk MS, a walk to cure Multiple
Sclerosis. Check-in will begin at 7:30 AM. This event is sponsored by the Ohio Buckeye chapter
of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Multiple Sclerosis is a serious health condition in which the immune system targets neurons in
the central nervous system. It can cause a disturbance in the victims body, mind, speech and
eyesight. There still is no known cure to the disease.
The goal of this walk is to raise as much money as we can to put forward toward research for a
cure, said Heidi Weaston, one of the event coordinators for the walk. Im in charge of 11
different walk sites, so my main goal is to make sure that all of the walkers have a worthwhile
experience, and that we can do as much good as possible.
The walk will be held at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The course is estimated to be about 2
miles, but registered participants can walk the course twice for a longer distance. The link to
register is online. Individuals age 10 and older are expected to contribute at least $25, children
ages 2-9 should contribute at least $10, and children ages 2 and under are not expected to
contribute a monetary donation.
We are really encouraging everyone to come out and walk, said Karen Moore, another event
coordinator with the chapter. Join a team, walk with friends, walk on your own. No matter what,
its for a good cause.
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Fact Sheet
1. As of currently, there is no known cure for Multiple Sclerosis. There are effective strategies that
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
2.

doctors use in order to

Modify or slow the disease course
Treat relapses
Manage symptoms
Improve function and safety
Address emotional help
More than 79 cents out of every dollar raised through fundraising goes toward programs,

services, and research that will improve the lives of people living with Multiple Sclerosis
3. Last year alone, the MS Society donated nearly $50 million to support 380 new and ongoing
research projects around the world
How Your Fundraising Dollars Contribute:
$35: could help deliver self-help groups to support people affected by MS in our community.
$65: could fund wellness programs aimed at treating the mind, body and spirit.
$120: could help pay for a physical therapy session to manage MS symptoms by enhancing
strength and mobility.
$200: could provide accessible transportation to a medical appointment.
$400: may help fund a researcher working toward a cure.
$1,000: could provide two consultations with an MS Navigator for nearly 30 people living with
MS.
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MS Society Walk MS Q&A

Q: What is MS?

A: MS is a shorthand term for Multiple Sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that occurs
when the immune system targets myelin, which is a protective coating around nerve fibers in the
central nervous system. Typical symptoms of MS are overwhelming fatigue, visual disturbances,
altered sensation and difficulties with mobility.

Q: What is Walk MS?

A: Walk MS is an event that takes place nation wide. The primary goal of the event is to act as a
fundraiser for research projects, benefit programs and services for people living with Multiple
Sclerosis.

Q: How old do I have to be to participate?

A: Anyone can participate, but there is an advised contribution of at least $25 from participants
ages 10 and above. Children ages 2-9 are asked to contribute at least $10.

Q: Where do I register?
A: Registration takes place online. The link is found at walkms.org. When you register, you
should first find the walk that takes place nearest to you by entering your zip code.

Q: How much do I have to raise to receive a T-Shirt?

A: You must raise $125 by the day of the race in order to receive a T-Shirt.

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