Wise Young
05-09-2002, 06:06 AM
Source: The Kansas City Star (http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/3198505.htm)
Posted on Sun, May. 05, 2002
Fund-raising walk for multiple sclerosis draws hundreds
By TANYANIKA SAMUELS
The Kansas City Star
Armed with a firm determination to find a cure for multiple sclerosis, about 600 walkers set off Saturday morning on the 14th annual MS Walk.
From the balloon-decorated gates of Midwest Research Institute at 50th and Oak streets, walkers made their way along routes that meandered through the Country Club Plaza and varied from three to nine miles.
"Our mission is to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis," said Whitney Zeiler, a spokeswoman with the Mid-America chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which sponsored Saturday's walk. The goal is to raise $300,000 in pledges in the Kansas City area.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms can range from a mild numbness in the limbs to severe paralysis or loss of vision. The local chapter supports 25,000 people affected by multiple sclerosis.
On Saturday, some people walked in the name of voluntarism. But most had personal motivations.
Iley White, 59, of Kansas City was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1975.
"I walk to show thanks to all the people who are so kind to do this," said White, with cane in hand. "And I walk because of God. God helped me do this."
She came with a team called Midtown Strivers, a local support group for people living with multiple sclerosis.
Helen Watkins, 74, of Kansas City is also part of that group. She walked on Saturday to support her daughter, who was diagnosed in 1996.
"This disease affects everyday people," Watkins said. "We just wanted to get out there and help people. This is what this is all about."
Glenda Smith, 46, and Earl Smith, 55, of Kansas City, Kan., trained for three months for the MS Walk's nine-mile route.
"We're just out here doing it for the people who can't," Earl Smith said.
Tonya Alnett, 35, of Kansas City has an aunt living with the disease.
"It's a neat thing to feel like you're actually making a difference," she said, "and hopefully we will."
To reach Tanyanika Samuels, call (816) 234-4376 or send e-mail to tsamuels@kcstar.com.
Community MS Walks
The Mid-America chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is sponsoring six walks next Saturday in Parkville, Lee's Summit, Butler and Sedalia in Missouri, and in Olathe and Leavenworth in Kansas. For more information, call (800) 344-4867.
Posted on Sun, May. 05, 2002
Fund-raising walk for multiple sclerosis draws hundreds
By TANYANIKA SAMUELS
The Kansas City Star
Armed with a firm determination to find a cure for multiple sclerosis, about 600 walkers set off Saturday morning on the 14th annual MS Walk.
From the balloon-decorated gates of Midwest Research Institute at 50th and Oak streets, walkers made their way along routes that meandered through the Country Club Plaza and varied from three to nine miles.
"Our mission is to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis," said Whitney Zeiler, a spokeswoman with the Mid-America chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which sponsored Saturday's walk. The goal is to raise $300,000 in pledges in the Kansas City area.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms can range from a mild numbness in the limbs to severe paralysis or loss of vision. The local chapter supports 25,000 people affected by multiple sclerosis.
On Saturday, some people walked in the name of voluntarism. But most had personal motivations.
Iley White, 59, of Kansas City was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1975.
"I walk to show thanks to all the people who are so kind to do this," said White, with cane in hand. "And I walk because of God. God helped me do this."
She came with a team called Midtown Strivers, a local support group for people living with multiple sclerosis.
Helen Watkins, 74, of Kansas City is also part of that group. She walked on Saturday to support her daughter, who was diagnosed in 1996.
"This disease affects everyday people," Watkins said. "We just wanted to get out there and help people. This is what this is all about."
Glenda Smith, 46, and Earl Smith, 55, of Kansas City, Kan., trained for three months for the MS Walk's nine-mile route.
"We're just out here doing it for the people who can't," Earl Smith said.
Tonya Alnett, 35, of Kansas City has an aunt living with the disease.
"It's a neat thing to feel like you're actually making a difference," she said, "and hopefully we will."
To reach Tanyanika Samuels, call (816) 234-4376 or send e-mail to tsamuels@kcstar.com.
Community MS Walks
The Mid-America chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is sponsoring six walks next Saturday in Parkville, Lee's Summit, Butler and Sedalia in Missouri, and in Olathe and Leavenworth in Kansas. For more information, call (800) 344-4867.