Madison Community Welcomes Walk MS

MADISON, Conn. — More than 6,000 Connecticut residents battle the effects of multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease that affects the central nervous system. In a show of support, each year hundreds of loved ones, friends, neighbors and co-workers throughout Madison and surrounding communities, including Old Saybrook and Clinton, step out in solidarity for a single cause: to create a world free of MS.

For the first time, Hammonasset Beach State Park will serve as the starting point for this year’s Walk MS, presented by Travelers, on Saturday, April 5. Check in opens at 9 a.m. at the West Beach parking lot and walkers will step out when registration closes at 10 a.m.

The 2013 Walk MS attracted over 10,000 participants. The National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter hopes to raise $1.3 million this year.

Nearly 350 walkers took to the pavement in Clinton last year. Together they raised $66,225. This year, the Madison planning committee hopes to raise $69,200.

The top team from last year’s Clinton walk was Team Spinnato, raising $5,060. The top individual walker, Joy Pozefsky, raised $32,545. 

“This year Madison-area residents are expected to step out in large numbers to demonstrate support for those in their community battling multiple sclerosis,” said Karen E. Butler, National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, vice president of marketing and public relations. “Our Madison walk site planning committee members do an exceptional job of rallying the troops, bringing people together from all walks of life in a single effort to raise funds to find a cure.”

The 2014 Walk MS, presented by Travelers, will be held Saturday, April 5, and Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 12 sites across the state.

At this year’s event, enjoy lunch provided by Coca Cola and Subway, and complimentary bagels before the walk, courtesy of Cohen’s Bagel Company.  The Madison site will also feature an opening stretch courtesy of Shoreline Fitness, music provided by Best DJ Services, a team photo area, and face painting.  Complimentary Massages will also be available post walk, courtesy of Physical Therapy and Wellness Center, and Limelite Studios will be performing as well.  In addition, WTNH News 8 Anchor, and our 2014 Walk MS Grand Marshal, Darren Kramer will be hosting the opening ceremony.

Funds raised by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter, through events, such as Walk MS, presented by Travelers, ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments and a cure, and provide vital programs and services offered by the chapter.

Walk MS community partners include News 8, WUVN/WHTX Univision and WUTH Telefutura and Clear Channel Radio Connecticut, which includes The River 105.9, Country 92.5, KISS 95.7, ESPN 1410 AM, KC 101.3, 960 WELI, and ESPN 1300 AM. Other community partners include 95.9 The FOX, WCTY 97.7 and La Puertorriqueñisima 1120 AM.

There is no fee to register for Walk MS. However, participants are encouraged to form teams and raise funds.

To learn more about the 2014 Walk MS, presented by Travelers, or to register, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org.

To learn more about multiple sclerosis, its effects, and programs and services offered by the chapter to those living with MS, email programs@ctfightsMS.org or visit www.ctfightsMS.org.