Multiple sclerosis walk to be held at Capaha Park

Multiple sclerosis stops people from moving.

But those who can walk or volunteer for Sunday's MS Walk at Capaha Park can help nearly 5,300 people affected with multiple sclerosis in eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois.

The goal for the Gateway Area Chapter is $850,000 for use in local and national research programs and services through chapter MS walks in 2007. The chapter hopes to reach 5,000 walkers at 12 MS Walk locations this year.

The local MS Walk in Cape Girardeau will begin with registration at noon. The walk will begin at 1 p.m. There is no minimum contribution to participate. The fund-raising goal for this event is $42,000, and will be used toward MS research and programs in this area.

Multiple sclerosis strikes adults in the prime of life, between 20 and 50 years old. The chronic disease of the central nervous system affects the brain and spinal cord. One new case is diagnosed each hour and no two cases are the same. The symptoms seem to come and go without reason and the prognosis is unpredictable from person to person.

Brenda Bender of Cape Girardeau does not have the disease but knows more about it than she would probably like to. People living with MS did nothing to cause it-- "It's just the way their nerves are."

Brenda's husband, Tim, was diagnosed with MS 17 years ago. She has volunteered at the walk every year and has also attended support group meetings at Saint Francis Medical Center for about 15 years. "I feel I needed to do this. I see so many people hurt by MS, and they are unable to cope with it. Their lives are taken away from them," Brenda said.

Tim, who prior to his diagnosis was a carpenter and electrician, is unable to work. But he is able to get out and around the neighborhood or to the library by himself.

MS changed their relationship as well as their priorities. "I'm a caregiver now," Brenda said.

When flare-ups strike, Tim is dependent on Brenda. It's something they've learned to cope with.

There is no cure for the approximate 400,000 Americans living with MS. "I probably won't see a cure in my husband's lifetime," Brenda said, "but my thoughts are with those who are newly diagnosed. I want to give them hope."

For more information on MS, call (800) FIGHT MS (344-4867) or 334-1777, or register online at www.gatewaymswalk.org. Information about the disease, federal research funding and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's recommendations for the use of MS treatment drugs can also be found there.

The MS self-help group meets at 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of every month at Saint Francis Health Center Health & Wellness Conference Room.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133