Support Necessary to Fight Multiple Sclerosis

Augusta, Ga. - The words multiple sclerosis may not mean much to the average person. But to the more than one third of a million Americans affected by this disease, it can mean sudden vision impairment, loss of muscle control, stiffness and other symptoms that significantly affect their daily lifestyle.

The Georgia Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society needs your legs for the annual 2003 MS Walk on Saturday, March 15. Walkers are needed to walk and to help raise funds for the 8,000 Georgia residents living with MS.

Brenda Byrd-Pelaez is a walker and a volunteer with MS Walk 2003. She was diagnosed with MS in 2002. A busy mother of two with a full-time job as head of human resources for the city of Augusta, she hasn't let the disease slow her down. "There are days when it's hard," said Byrd-Pelaez. "But I was so excited when I heard that the MS Walk was coming to Augusta and knew that I wanted to help support it in any way I could."

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, unpredictable neurological disease. It can cause blurred vision, loss of balance, poor coordination, slurred speech, tremors, numbness, extreme fatigue, problems with memory and concentration, paralysis and blindness. These problems may be permanent, or they may come and go. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. The unpredictable physical and emotional effects continue the rest of their lives.

Since its founding in 1946, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has been the leading provider of programs for people with MS and their families and friends. Local chapters enable the Society to help meet the needs of Americans living with MS. Programs provide clients with accurate and current information, help people with MS to find and keep jobs, work with families affected by MS, and address many other concerns. The goal of every program is the self-empowerment of the person with MS.

MS Walk 2003 takes place in Augusta on Saturday, March 15, at Lake Olmstead. Registration is at 8 a.m., with the walk beginning at 9 a.m. at GreenJackets Stadium.

Sponsors for the event include MCG Health System, Walton Rehabilitation Hospital, The Augusta Chronicle, WAGT-Channel 26, Kicks 99, Lite 98, First Choice Medical, Procter & Gamble and Communication Support Services, Inc.

To walk or volunteer for the MS Walk or for information about Georgia Chapter programs, call 1-800-FIGHT MS (1-800-344-4867), 24 hours a day, or visit www.nmssga.org.