MS Society to hold annual walk, awareness week

Every hour in the United States, someone is newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system.

During MS Awareness Week March 3-9, the Alabama-Mississippi Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is encouraging area residents to join the movement to bring about a world free of MS by getting involved throughout the week. The organization will also hold its annual 1-, 2- or 3-mile walk April 5 at Homewood Central Park. 

“Whether you have MS yourself, know someone with MS or are simply committed to building a better community for us all, you can make a difference in the lives of the more than 6,300 people who live with MS in Alabama and Mississippi,” said Jan Bell, president of the Alabama-Mississippi Chapter.

MS Awareness Week will kick off with a party on Monday, March 3 from noon to 1 p.m. at Rosewood Hall, and area residents are encouraged to wear orange — the color of the MS movement — during the week or email a legislator about an issue important to people with MS, such as health benefits or accessibility.

On April 5, registration for the walk starts 7:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 9:30 a.m., rain or shine. Participants will be recognized for top fundraising, best team shirts, best team tent, most creative team names and largest team. Volunteers are also wanted for the event.

To volunteer, visit nationalMSsociety.org/alc, and to sign up for the walk, visit walkMS.org. More information can be found at nationalMSsociety.org/awarenessweek.