Walking toward a world without MS

  • By Angela Workman
  • April 29, 2013
  • 371
                        
Summary: Walk MS took place on Saturday, April 27, at the OARDC in Wooster. The neurological disease affects 20,000 people in Ohio. To support research and services, teams walked three miles as a tribute to loved ones who live with MS. “I have MS, but it doesn’t have me,” proclaimed Audrie Saurer, participant of Walk MS on Saturday, April 27, at the OARDC in Wooster. Saurer was one of many attendants who teamed up to raise money and provide support for those living with the neurological disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS). According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, there are more than 20,000 people with MS in Ohio. It is a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system, and is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. For those living with MS, life must continue to move forward. As research advances, better medications can offer relief from the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. The Ohio Buckeye Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society works to improve quality of life for those with MS. “We have so many programs and services that are really important,” said Tosh Tripi, outreach coordinator for the Ohio Buckeye Chapter. Aside from research, the Ohio Buckeye Chapter educates people affected by MS and meets the unique needs of each individual living with the illness. This may include counseling, assistance with errands or housework, referral services, respite for caregivers, or transportation services. Nolan Yoder celebrated his 24th walk this year. Yoder’s wife and oldest daughter died from complications of MS. He’s been participating since 1989. “It helps to make the public aware of MS. Also, this is a way of raising funds to help eradicate this disease,” Yoder said. “It’s something I felt I could do to help to stamp out MS.” Family and friendship were themes throughout the morning. In many cases, teams combined in support of a parent, a sibling, a friend, or a spouse. There were pets who partook in the three mile walk as well. “My sister has MS. She was diagnosed about 7-8 years ago. She was well enough to walk today. It’s a day to day battle,” said Mary Legan, team member of Audin’s Angels. The intimate connections to MS provoked a great deal of sentiment in participants. While the disease may be progressive and disabling, those close to the illness took many steps to create a world free of MS. “I have MS and my dad also has MS. We’ve kind of done it as a family thing for the last several years. And this year we’ve got a few extra people that are joining us, too,” said Jody Hart, who has been diagnosed since 2001. She explained that she recently started a new medication for MS, which would have not been possible without the research. Linda Ross was one of those participants who reported feeling very emotional about Walk MS. She has had the condition for about 26 years. Her mother also had MS. “I refuse to let it get me,” Ross said. State representative, Ron Amstutz, also showed his support for the walk. He made opening remarks and thanked the participants for their support and hard work.


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