NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY Thousands Walk The Streets (NAPS)—Every year, thou- sands of people walk the streets of America to help one organization perform some amazingfeats. The volunteers walk to help the THE WALK National Society fund re- search to fight (multiple scle- rosis), a chronic disease of the central nervous system. The annual walkathon, known as The Walk,takesplacein all 50 states and has raised more than $100 million in the past eleven years. Revenue generated by the event goes towards funding national research and local programs for people with . There are nearly 700 Walks nation- wide, involving nearly one quarter of a million people. “Our group hopes to raise both money and awareness about ,” says a spokesperson for the char- ity. “People need to know that drug therapies are available that might alter the course the disease The National Society spon- sors an annual walkathon that has raised over $100 million to fight multiple sclerosis. any national voluntary organization in the world. In 1999 alone, the Society donated over $23 million to more than 300 research projects in the takes.” U.S. and abroad. The group seeks to help people its tendency to strike young live their life with the disease. “When I was first diagnosed —often referred to as a “prime of life disease” because of adults—manifests itself in a number of unpredictable ways. Those who havethe disease exhibit a variety of symptoms ranging from mild numbness to paralysis or loss of vision. Symptoms can come and go without warning, and diagnosed with learn how to with six years ago,” says a memberof the Society, “I had so many questions and concerns. Fortunately, the National Society was there for me, providing information, referrals andself- often strike when they are least expected. help groups. They helped me to sis Society is a non-profit organization with 87 chapters and divi- or pledge support for any walker The National Multiple Sclero- knowthat I was not alone.” Walkers can register for a walk sions throughout the U.S. The nationwide at www.nationalms society.org or call 1-800-FIGHT serves more people with than you. group supports more research and to locate the chapter nearest
