Walk MS coming to Litchfield

HARTFORD » Connecticut residents will step out this year from 11 sites across the state for the 2015 Walk MS, presented by Travelers.

More than 6,300 Connecticut residents battle the effects of multiple sclerosis. In a show of support, each year thousands of loved ones, friends, neighbors and co-workers lace up and step out at Walk MS in solidarity for a single cause: to create a world free of MS.

In 2014, more than 10,500 participants participated in Walk MS. Frank’s Entourage was the top fundraising team in the state as they raised $60,000. Prospect’s Frank Monteiro was the top individual fundraiser, raising $56,321.

This year, the chapter hopes to raise $1.4 million.

The 2015 Walk MS, presented by Travelers, will be held Saturday, April 18, in Enfield, Fairfield and Madison, and Sunday, April 19, in Cheshire, Waterford and West Hartford.

Participants can also join Walk MS on Saturday, April 25, in East Hartford and Sunday, April 26, in Litchfield, Simsbury, Stamford and West Haven.

“This year, our team made the decision to split our 11 walks out over two weekends,” Michael Branda, senior development manager for the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter. “Weekends can become so valuable to families and our hope is that if there is a conflict for a team on one weekend, there is another walk close by the next weekend.”

Each walk site will feature 2.5- and 5-mile fully-accessible routes. At this year’s event, participants will enjoy lunch provided by Coca Cola and Subway. The sites will also will feature a Mission Station — a new and exciting way for walkers to get involved, get information, earn rewards and gather some team spirit for the walk.

“The great thing about Walk MS is that even those who are disabled by the illness are able to participate,” said Branda. “People disabled by MS can organize a team, raise funds and cheer on friends and family as they step out this April.”

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease. It is generally diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50.

Symptoms can range from numbness in the extremities, to loss of vision and, in severe cases, complete paralysis. The progression, severity and specific symptoms related to MS in any one person cannot be predicted, but advances in research and treatments are providing hope to those affected by the disease.

Funds raised at chapter events, such as Walk MS, ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and provide for the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to Connecticut residents affected by MS.

Walk MS community partners include News 8, WUVN/WHTX Univision and WUTH Telefutura and Connoisseur Media’s STAR 99.9, WPLR 99.1, WDRC 102.9, The Fox 95.9, as well as I Heart Media Connecticut’s The River 105.9, WCTY 97.7, La Puertorriqueñisima 1120 AM and 99Dollar DJ & Entertainment Service.

To learn more about Walk MS or to pre-register, visit ctfightsMS.org, or call 860-913-2550.