Walk for a Cure for MS this Weekend

Cape Girardeau, MO & Carbondale, IL (April 18, 2013) -- Walk MS, the signature fundraising event of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, is returning to two Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois locations this weekend. Walk MS is the rallying point of the MS Movement, and the event will once again bring together neighbors, families, and friends who care about the people living with MS in our communities.

Last year, 6,345 people in the Gateway Area Chapter participated in Walk MS -- raising $814,568 to fund MS research and programs and services to help people with MS stay active, connect with others, and move forward in their lives.

Walk MS Team Captain Carrie Patterson was diagnosed with MS in 2009 after experiencing MS symptoms over the two previous years. She immediately wanted to get involved to support the National MS Society. "When I found out I had MS, I just wished there was something I could do to help others, like raise money and spread awareness," said Patterson. "I happened to see a sign somewhere in Cape Girardeau about Walk MS and decided to join in." That same year, Carrie started her own Walk MS team -- Carrie's Champs.

Last year, Carrie's Champs was the largest team at Cape Girardeau Walk MS with 70 members. Carrie and her team will be walking again in 2013. "I keep coming back every year, because, until there is a cure for MS, our work is not done. We have to keep raising money and creating awareness until a cure is found."

Like many others, Carrie looks forward to attending Walk MS. "My favorite part of the event is meeting others who are living with MS, their families, and their team members." Carrie also encourages others to join the movement by registering for the Walk MS near them. "Each and every person can make a difference," said Carrie. "We need as much help as we can get to raise awareness."

Carrie's Champs will walk at the Cape Girardeau, Mo. location on Sunday, April 21, 2013. The two Southeast Mo. and Southern Il. Walk MS locations are listed below.

Southeast Health and McDonald's are event sponsors for Cape Girardeau Walk MS, with lunch sponsored by Great Boars of Fire. Southern Illinois Healthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois are sponsoring Carbondale Walk MS, with lunch sponsored by 17th Street Bar and Grill.

4/20/13 - Carbondale Walk MS - SIU Carbondale, Campus Lake Boat Dock. Registration 12pm. Start 1pm.

4/21/13 - Cape Girardeau Walk MS - Capaha Park. Registration 12pm. Start 1pm.