New London Community Set To Lace-Up and Step Out for Walk MS

New London, 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 New London and surrounding communities to include Waterford and Groton, step out in solidarity for a single cause: to create a world free of MS. Mitchell College will once again serve as the starting point for the 2013 Walk MS, presented by Travelers, on Sunday, April 21. Check in opens at 8 a.m. and walkers will hit step out at 9 a.m. The 2012 Walk MS attracted more than 10,000 participants and raised a record amount of $1.38 million. The National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, hopes to raise $1.4 million this year. Nearly 500 walkers took to the pavement in New London last year. Together, they raised roughly $62,000. This year, the New London planning committee hopes to raise $65,000. The Ward Walkers was named New London’s top team, raising $3,988. The New London site’s top individual walker last year was Chris Getman, who raised $18,388 for the walk. “Each year New London-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 communications. “Our New London walk site planning committee members do an exceptional job of rallying the troops, bringing people together from all walks of life in a single effort to raise funds to find a cure.” This year the New London site will feature music provided throughout the day provided by WCTY 97.7, an inspired opening stretch, a DJ, a magician, a popcorn machine and a Kids Zone (featuring fun activities, face painting, etc.). Funds raised by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter, through events, such as the Walk MS, presented by Travelers, ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments and a cure, and to provide vital programs and services offered by the chapter. Walk MS participants will walk at 12 different sites across the state Sunday, April 21. Lunch is provided compliments of Subway restaurants and Coca-Cola. Walk MS community partners include News 8, WUVN / WHTX Univision, Clear Channel Radio Connecticut, to include 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 and WCTY 97.7. Newspapers include Connecticut Cruise News. To learn more about the 2013 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 by emailing programs@ctfightsms.org or visiting www.ctfightsms.org.