Home - National Multiple Sclerosis Society

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. The New Britain Rock Cats is teaming up with Peg Leg Petes and the National MS Society for a single night and a single cause to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis. The local pro baseball team will hold a double header on Wednesday, June 20, and is donating to the National MS Society and the 2007 Travelers MS Walk 50 percent of the proceeds from tickets sold by Peg Leg Petes MS walk team.

Simsbury resident Katherine Ryan, 48, captains Peg Leg Petes MS walk team. Ryan, an artist, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) just nine months ago after awaking one morning and discovering the left side of her body was completely numb. Since that time she has experienced additional exacerbations and now has ongoing spasticity, a disorder of the body's motor system in which certain muscles are continuously contracted.

“Multiple sclerosis has changed my life,” said Ryan, whose mobility is now limited. “People need to know MS does not discriminate. It seems to affect people at any age from all walks of life. People should know its effects can forever change lives. We need communities across Connecticut to step up to the plate if we’re going to find a cure for this disease.”

More than 6,000 Connecticut residents, like Ryan, are battling the baffling effects of multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system. The cause is unknown, and, as a result, there currently is no cure. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness and tingling in the extremities, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness and, in some more severe cases, total paralysis. The progression, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted. Funds raised through events, such as the Rock Cats game night fundraiser, ensure the continuation of scientific research to find a cure and provide for vital programs and services offered by the chapter to Connecticut residents living with MS.

 “We look for ways to support communities statewide,” said William Dowling, Rock Cats President and CEO. “We are pleased to team up with Peg Leg Petes and the National MS Society to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis.”

The New Britain Rock Cats baseball stadium is located at 230 John Karbonic Way in New Britain, Conn. Tickets are $5 per person for two seven inning games; the first taking place at 5:05 p.m. and the second game beginning at about 7 p.m. For more information on purchasing tickets for the June 20 double header, please contact Katherine Ryan at (860) 658-4688 or at (860) 573-4775. Ryan can also be reached at katnip33@aol.com. Or you can click here to download the form.  The 2007 Travelers MS Walk, presented by UnitedHealth Group, was held at eight sites across Connecticut on Sunday, April 22. The Peg Leg Petes MS walk team participates at the Simsbury site. Participants have until May 31 to collect pledges and to continue fundraising efforts. In 2006, the MS Walk raised approximately $1 million. The chapter hopes to raise $1.1 million this year. To learn more about supporting Peg Leg Petes or pledging to the 2007 Travelers MS Walk, please contact Michelle Zimnoch, development director, at (860) 714-2300, ext. 234. To learn more about the effects of MS and the many ways to Join The Movement, please visit http://www.ctfightsms.org/.

5/1/07

New Britain Rock Cats mascot “Rocky,” along with WTNH News Channel 8 anchor Darren Kramer, leads the way for more almost 1,000 participants stepping out at the start of the 2007 Travelers MS Walk, presented by UnitedHealth Group, on Sunday, April 22, on the University of Connecticut at West Hartford.