Apr 19, 2009
Nearly 6,000 moved toward a world free of multiple sclerosis at Walk MS 2009
NEW YORK, NY – Nearly 6,000 walkers took to the streets this weekend at Walk MS 2009 and moved toward a world free of multiple sclerosis. Hosted by the New York City Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and sponsored by EMD Serono® and Pfizer®, Walk MS 2009 is expected to raise $2.7 million in support of the hundreds of annual comprehensive services the chapter provides NYC residents living with MS, their friends and family, and toward critical national MS research for the cause, treatment and cure for this unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Donations can be made at www.walkMSnyc.org.
Participants, including many living with MS, walked a three mile route at Saturday’s Staten Island Walk MS event and participants chose either a three or six mile route at the Manhattan Walk MS on Sunday. WNBC 4 reporter Lynn Berry kicked off Sunday’s event as Grand Marshal. In addition, Congressman Michael McMahon from New York’s thirteenth congressional district rallied the crowd and spoke of his commitment to healthcare and transportation issues that impact people living with MS at the start line ceremony of the Staten Island Walk MS.
“We are extremely grateful to the nearly 6,000 participants, volunteers and sponsors who dedicated tremendous energy and time to Walk MS 2009. This event wouldn’t be possible without these amazing people who all part of the powerful movement that is helping to create a world free of MS,” said Ruth Brenner, president of the New York City Chapter.
Walk MS 2009 Sponsors
Major sponsors for Walk MS 2009 sponsored by EMD Serono® and Pfizer®, include the following: 101.9RXP, Acorda Therapeutics, Andean Dream, Cabot Creamery, Crunch, Embodi, Fuze, Grown-up Soda, Hampton Inn, Hudson River Park Trust, Iceland Spring Water, Inko’s, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, NBC4/TELEMUNDO47, New York Post, O.N.E. Drinks, Oz Moving, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC, Pretzel Crisps, Pop Chips, Pure Protein, Richmond County Savings Foundation, Sheffa Foods, Snikiddy Snacks, Uncle Louie G’s, UTZ, and Weight Watchers Magazine.
About Walk MS Manhattan
New York City’s Walk MS has made enormous strides since its beginning in 1989. Starting with just 1,000 participants, this annual event has grown to involve more than 7,000 walkers and 750 volunteers. Walk MS starts and finishes at the South Street Seaport. Participants enjoy the historic neighborhoods and lovely lower Manhattan sights, including the East River promenade and the Brooklyn Bridge.
About Walk MS Staten Island
Since 1997, the Staten Island Walk MS has helped raise more than $1 million in direct support of individuals affected by MS and toward national MS research. Participants enjoy a three-mile route through the beautiful neighborhoods of Historic Richmond Town.
About the New York City Chapter
The New York City Chapter of the National MS Society is committed to helping the thousands of New Yorkers impacted by MS continue moving their lives forward. The chapter raises funds locally to support the Society’s critical research initiatives and to provide hundreds of comprehensive support services and educational programs to people living with MS, their family and friends. Visit www.MSnyc.org for more information.
About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The National MS Society helps each person address the challenges of living with MS. In 2008 alone, through its national office and 50 state network of chapters, the Society devoted over $136 million to programs that enhanced more than one million lives. To help move closer to a world free of MS, the Society also invested over $50 million to support 444 research projects around the world. Join the movement at www.nationalMSsociety.org.
Early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. To learn about the options, individuals should talk to their health care professionals and contact the National MS Society at www.nationalMSsociety.org or 1-800-344-4867 (1-800-FIGHT-MS).
About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and it stops people from moving. Every hour in the United States someone is newly diagnosed with MS, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with more than twice as many women as men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S., and 2.5 million worldwide.
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