More Than 330 Woodstock Area Residents Step Out In Support Of A Single Cause

WOODSTOCK, Conn. More than 330 Woodstock area residents laced up and stepped out Sunday, April 29, to take part in the 18^th annual Travelers MS Walk, presented by UnitedHealth Group. The walk event was held on the campus of Hyde School. Under sunny skies and unseasonably warm temperatures, area residents came out in force to support the more than 6,000 Connecticut residents diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Those in the area facing the unpredictable effects of MS looked to family, friends and co-workers to support them in the fight against a potentially debilitating disease.

“The Woodstock turnout exceeded our goal,” said Karen E. Butler, vice president of communications with the Greater Connecticut Chapter. “The visible support and passion of those attending buoy and encourage those affected by multiple sclerosis. Meaningful change takes place when individuals from all walks of life step out together in support of a single cause to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis.”

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, oftentimes debilitating, disease affecting the central nervous system. The cause is unknown, and there is no cure for MS. More than 400,000 nationwide are diagnosed with MS and more than 6,000 statewide live with multiple sclerosis, including more than 600 living in Windham and New London counties.

Participants traversed 2.5- or 5-mile routes, returning to festive finish line activities, which included lunch compliments of Subway and Coca-Cola.

Funds raised through National MS Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter events, such as the Travelers MS Walk, ensure ongoing scientific research to find better therapies, treatments and a cure. Funds also provide for vital programs and services offered by the chapter to those in the state affected by multiple sclerosis.

The Manchester walk site planning committee hopes to raise more than $34,500. The prize deadline for submitting outstanding individual and team pledges is May 31. The Greater Connecticut Chapter, which now hosts walks at 10 site locations, hopes to raise $1.1 million. Last year, the MS Walk raised approximately $1 million. For more information regarding outstanding pledges and prize eligibility, please call Michelle Zimnoch, development director, at (860) 714-2300, ext. 234.

5/1/07

Karen E. Butler
Vice President of Communications
Greater Connecticut Chapter
tel +1.860.714.2300
cell +1.860.997.4487

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