Sep 08, 2009
Wallingford Resident Goes The Distance In Fight Against MS
Sean O'Leary, Communications Specialist
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wallingford Resident Goes The Distance In Fight Against MS
WALLINGFORD, Conn. – The thought of running 50 miles in one day would have most people shrugging it off as an impossible feat. Paul Masi, however, sees it as not only possible but as an opportunity.
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| Wallingford resident Paul Masi runs in the Cox Rhode Races – Marathon in Providence, R.I. on May 3. Masi has set a $10,000 fundraising goal for the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter when he runs in the JFK 50 Mile Race on Saturday, Nov. 21 in Maryland. |
Masi, a Wallingford resident, will run the 47th annual JFK 50 Mile Race in Maryland Saturday, Nov. 21, as he hopes to raise $10,000 for the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter.
“I feel fortunate that I have my health,” Masi explained. “It’s an opportunity to do something for the people living with multiple sclerosis, who battle the disease each and every day.”
Masi’s desire to join the movement against MS came about after someone close to him began experiencing symptoms similar to those associated with MS. While that person has not been officially diagnosed with MS, the continuing possibility opened Masi’s eyes to a disease he knew little about.
“There were different symptoms that came up and I started reading about MS,” he shared. “As I did, it really moved me because I learned what living with MS means and how it is a difficult, daily battle.”
As a long distance runner, the 40 year old Masi sympathized with the notion of, as he described, “digging deeper and trying harder” to reach a goal. With that idea in his head, Masi decided it was time for him to go even further and attempt the 50-mile race.
“I’ve run marathons before and I’ve always said that I wanted to try the 50-miler,” he said with a slight laugh. “It just seemed like the timing was perfect between attempting to run the 50 miles and doing it in conjunction with a fundraiser.”
Masi has begun the process of fundraising, reaching out to friends, family and employees and believes he can reach his $10,000 goal.
More than 6,000 Connecticut residents are affected by multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system. The cause is unknown and, as a result, there is currently no cure for MS. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.
Funds donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter, through fundraisers ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments and a cure, as well as to provide vital programs and services offered by the chapter to those in the state living with multiple sclerosis.
Masi, who works for United Healthcare in Hartford, lives in Wallingford with his wife Stacy and their two kids. To donate online to Masi, please visit http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/paul_masi.
For more information on multiple sclerosis, its effects and the many ways to help make a difference, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org.
9/8/09
Sean O'Leary
Communications Specialist
National MS Society - Connecticut Chapter
659 Tower Avenue, First Floor
Hartford, CT 06112
tel 860.913.2550, ext. 249
soleary@ctfightsMS.org
www.ctfightsMS.org