Simsbury Community Set To Lace Up and Step Out for Walk MS

SIMSBURY, Conn. — More than 6,000 Connecticut residents battle the effects of multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease that affects the central nervous system. In a show of support each year hundreds of loved ones, friends, neighbors and co-workers throughout Simsbury and surrounding communities, including Avon and Bloomfield, step out in solidarity for a single cause: to create a world free of MS.

Westminster School in Simsbury will serve as the starting point for the 2014 Walk MS, presented by Travelers, on Sunday, April 6. Walkers will check in at 8 a.m. at the Jackson Hockey Rink and step out at 9 a.m.

The 2013 Walk MS attracted more than 10,000 participants. The National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, hopes to raise $1.3 million this year.

More than 400 participants took to the pavement in Simsbury last year. Together, they raised 54,000. This year, the Simsbury planning committee hopes to raise $57,000.

The MS Kateers walk team was named Simsbury’s top family team, raising $9,615. Robbin Goodskey, of New Hartford, was the top individual walker raising $4,641.

“Each year Simsbury-area residents come out in large numbers to demonstrate support for those in their community battling multiple sclerosis,” said Karen E. Butler, National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, vice president of marketing and public relations. “Our Simsbury walk site planning committee members do an exceptional job rallying the troops, bringing people together from all walks of life in a single effort to raise funds to find a cure.”

The 2014 Walk MS, presented by Travelers, will be held Saturday, April 5, and Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 12 sites across the state.

At this year’s event, enjoy lunch provided by Coca Cola and Subway.  The Simsbury site will also feature an opening stretch led by Mary Root, a DJ, a Band, a team photo area, and face painting.  Complimentary Massages will also be available post walk, courtesy of Health & Bodyworks, and Simsbury Spinners will be performing as well.

Funds raised by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter, through events, such as Walk MS, presented by Travelers, ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments and a cure, and provide vital programs and services offered by the chapter.

Walk MS community partners include News 8, WUVN/WHTX Univision and WUTH Telefutura and Clear Channel Radio Connecticut, which includes The River 105.9, Country 92.5, KISS 95.7, ESPN 1410 AM, KC 101.3, 960 WELI, and ESPN 1300 AM. Other community partners include 95.9 The FOX, WCTY 97.7 and La Puertorriqueñisima 1120 AM.

There is no fee to register for Walk MS. However, participants are encouraged to form teams and raise funds.

To learn more about the 2014 Walk MS, presented by Travelers, or to register, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org.

To learn more about multiple sclerosis, its effects, and programs and services offered by the chapter to those living with MS, email programs@ctfightsMS.org or visit www.ctfightsMS.org.