2002 MS Walk Sunday, April 7

The Upstate New York Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will be holding its annual MS Walk on Sunday, April 7 with 15 MS Walk sites to choose from.

The MS Walk is the chapter's largest fundraising event supporting local programs and services and national research for those with multiple sclerosis and their families. This year, more than 5,500 people are expected to raise in excess of $627,000 in Upstate New York.

The Upstate New York Chapter's 2002 MS Walk will feature 15 MS Walk sites. Choose from the following: Auburn, Brockport, Binghamton, Canandaigua, Corning, Geneseo, Greece, Ithaca, Newark, Oneonta, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, Watertown and Webster. Each site will feature scenic walk routes and participants can choose between either an approximate 3-mile accessible route or a 10-mile route. Rest stops with food and beverages will be stationed along the route and a light lunch and entertainment will be provided at the finish line. Check in time is at 9 a.m. at the MS Walk and the walk will begin at 10 a.m.; participants are reminded to set your clocks ahead for daylight savings.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease that randomly attacks the central nervous system, gradually wearing away control over one's body. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. Symptoms may be mild such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or blindness. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of the disease in any one person cannot be predicted.

For information or to register or volunteer call Janalee Biondolillo at 585-271-0801 ext. 5330 or toll free 1-877-869-6677 or go online at www.nationalmssociety.org.