Women Join Together to Fight the Devastating Effects of MS
More than 170 women came out for the 26th annual March Into Spring Women Against MS Luncheon of Fairfield County on Thursday, April 23, to make their mark against multiple sclerosis. The first March Into Spring event raised a few thousand dollars in 1983 and has since raised more than $1.5 million over its 26-year history.
Each year, event organizers present the Georgina B. Davids Award to someone making a difference for those battling the effects of multiple sclerosis or an individual living life to the fullest in the face of adversity.
Pari Kreutter Hirsch, director of sales and marketing for Highgrove Condominium Residences in Stamford, served as the 2009 Georgina B. Davids honoree. Hirsch has devoted herself for more than 18 years to raising funds to benefit those battling multiple sclerosis. She has been a longtime supporter of the March Into Spring Luncheon and was honored for her inspiration to others that volunteer and her energy in fundraising.
New York Times best selling author Jacquelyn Mitchard served as keynote speaker. Best known for her novel “Deep End Of The Ocean,” a bestseller in 1996 and the first selection for Oprah Winfrey’s popular “Oprah’s Book Club,” Jackie serves as a national MS Ambassador in honor of a lifelong friend living with the affects of multiple sclerosis.
This year’s event featured 26 area vendors showing off their products, including high-end custom jewelry, clothing, accessories, home décor items and children’s items. Marit Price, co-host of the Most Music Morning Show on Star 99.9 FM in Milford, served as the event’s Mistress of Ceremonies
According to statistics, three times as many women compared to men are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. As a result, women across the nation now come together annually, state by state and chapter by chapter, to learn, through inspirational personal accounts, about the effects of this potentially debilitating disease and the latest advances in treatment and care.
More than 6,000 Connecticut residents battle multiple sclerosis and there is no cure. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.
Funds raised through chapter events, such as the March Into Spring WAMS Luncheon, ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments and a cure. These funds also provide for the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to those in the state living with multiple sclerosis.
Take The Next Step… Become A WAMS 2009 Table Captain
Multiple sclerosis affects more than just the person diagnosed – it affects family, co-workers and friends. These individuals come together to raise funds for vital local programs and services, and critical research in our search for a cause, new treatments and a cure for MS by acting as WAMS Table Captains. A Table Captain commits to supporting WAMS by filling a table of 10 (one captain and nine guests) at the event. A table can also be co-captained with a friend (each Table Captain has four guests). Table Captains are invited to a kick-off party six weeks before the event. There they learn more about the guest recruiting process, receive their recruitment materials, and meet other Table Captains, committee members, and chapter staff. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions for additional details.