The Retort

Multiple Sclerosis Walks

March 26th, 2010 by Bailey Martin Of The Retort Staff

During this spring and summer, there will be a MS Walk in six different cities across Montana. Going for a walk has been shown to reduce stress and encourage an overall sense of wellness. A MS Walk not only benefits the walker, but it also benefits over 1600 people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in Montana. Along with raising essential funds for research and services for people with MS, as a participant in a MS Walk you share a remarkable achievement with more than 250000 other walkers in over 700 cities across the country. In 2009 there were over 400 participants in the Billings walk.

MS Walks are a major fundraiser for the National MS Society and the Montana MS Walks benefit those living in Montana with MS. According to Rachel Schillreff, a logistical assistant for the Montana chapter, the MS Walks had a total of 1128 participants raised $168332 last year. Participants in MS Walks pre-register and fundraise for their walk. After participants are registered the National MS Society gives them information on how to fundraise and offers them tips and downloads to use. When participants register they are also given a website where friends and family can make online donations for their walk and they can also receive donations through the mail.

“The people at the Montana office also send out emails and offer advice and encouragement in their endeavors to raise funds for MS,” said Rachel Schillreff.

On the walk trail there will be several rest stations that will be equipped with snacks and water. At the MS Walk in Billings there will be clowns and Darth Vader present and there will be a barbeque provided after the walk by Montana chapter and its sponsors.

The Montana MS Walks for 2010 are scheduled as follows:

Billings: May 1, 2010 at the LDS Church on 1000 Wicks Lane

Helena: May 8, 2010 at the State Capitol using Healthbeat Trail

Bozeman: May 15, 2010 at Summit Resource Imports

Great Falls: May 15, 2010 at Gibson Park

Missoula: May 22, 2010 at McCormick Park using Kim Williams Trail

Butte: September 11, 2020 at Father Sheehan Park

There will also be a MS Bike event between Billings and Red Lodge on August 28 and 29. The even will start at the Pierce RV Center at 8am in Billings and the participants will cycle to Red Lodge and then back the next day. The event will be 145 miles long. The 2009 event raised over $135000 and had over 175 participants.

For more information please visit the Montana Office of the National MS Society website for more information and to register. For any further questions please contact the Montana MS Office at 406-252-5927 or e-mail at heather.ohs@nmss.org.

Also, the MS Society is constantly looking for helpful people to volunteer their skills. Someone pursuing a degree in Business, Healthcare, or Public Relations would be great for the job. Volunteering at the MS Society will look great on your resume and can also give you additional experience and skills that employers are seeking.