[Girlie Girl]

Has anyone done one of these before? There is one at Cape Cod this September and I'm not sure I could handle 3 days of walking. I did my first walk last year but it was only a 3 mile walk.

Also, what about the fundraising? Does most of it go to research...does anyone know?

[tkrik]

I don't know anything about a challenge walk. We don't have anything like that here. We do have a 150K bike fund raiser that took place over a weekend.

There is no way I could do a 3 day walk either. I did recently (March) do the 3-mile walk here. That was a challenge but I finished. I do the walks twice a year. Myself and another MSer formed a team. She is all about raising funds and I am all about awareness and support. She takes care of setting goals and getting local companies involved to match what their employees raise. I work on raising awareness of what life is like with MS. It works out great.

As for the funds I am not sure. Call who ever is sponsoring the event and ask them what happens to the funds and how much of it actually goes towards research.

Additionally, it may be good to ask what else they do with the funds. I know that locally the NMSS has started a few programs for people with MS as well as creating more support for local MSers. I know that it is not research but it has been helpful to those of us with MS. They have used some of the funds to get assistive devices for those who financially cannot afford them, they have used the funds to start exercise classes (yoga and aquatics), and many other helpful programs.

[Girlie Girl]

Thanks for your input! What a great team you have. Talk about "teamwork". Sounds like the two of you are a perfect match.

I like the idea of the other programs the money goes towards. Sometimes I feel like research does nothing for me and there will be no cure by the time I leave this world! So those programs you mentioned are something that could benefit me and others now. Thanks!

[greta]

I've done the challenge walk twice (2004 and 2005). To me, the biggest challenge was raising the minimum 1500 entry fee! I managed both times and it was a wonderful experience.

They provide you with a training program and you have the option to meet up with others who are training in your area. I did most of my training on my own but towards the end met up with a wonderful team captain who became my walking buddy and has since become a great friend.

The first year, I trained exactly as per the program. Every day, logged tons of miles. The weekend before the walk, I logged an 18 mile day. On the weekend of the walk, it was hard, but not impossible and as one of the very few people who didn't get blisters - I think the training paid off.

The second year, I didn't train nearly as hard. I think my longest training walk was 12 miles. Funny enough - it wasn't any harder than the previous year!

Blisters and dehydration were the biggest issues - they took most people out. Good running shoes in a half size bigger than you normally wear, some moleskin, and water bottles on a fanny pack are the tools you need.

Many people without MS couldn't finish it. I was so proud that I did the whole thing and I was really proud to wear that red shirt on the final day at the conclusion (only people with MS got red shirts). Goofy me, I'm getting all choked up about it right now!

I would encourage anyone to try it - it's not about how far you walk - as long as you start. You certainly won't regret the experience!

[Girlie Girl]

Originally Posted by greta

Many people without MS couldn't finish it. I was so proud that I did the whole thing and I was really proud to wear that red shirt on the final day at the conclusion (only people with MS got red shirts). Goofy me, I'm getting all choked up about it right now!

I would encourage anyone to try it - it's not about how far you walk - as long as you start. You certainly won't regret the experience!

You are choking me up as I read this!!!

Thanks for the tidbits and helpful pointers. Congrats for finishing it!!! You should be very proud!

I almost signed up last year but the 1500 did scare me from doing it. That is not a small amount to have to raise and if you are doing it with a SO then the amount is double!

Well you have encouraged me enough to seriously look into it more. Will you be doing it again this year? Do you do the one down the Cape?

[greta]

I won't be doing it this year as we'll be moving to Italy right about that time. I did the one that goes from Annapolis to Baltimore. Here are some things I did to raise the $1500

Sent out letters to everyone I knew requesting donations. I'm not out to most of my family because I don't want my mom to know (she has MS too) but I did mention my mom in it and why it was so important. I got a lot of donations that way. I also sent out emails linking to my fundraising page. I had a giant garage sale. My friend and I put together all of our junk and then I sent letters to all my neighbors telling them what I was doing and asked them for their junk that they wanted to get rid of. They got receipts for it and I ended up with enough stuff that we made almost $700. We priced everything dirt cheap and made money on volume.

I didn't do it, but coldstone creamery will let you use their store to raise money (you scoop and a percentage of the profits go to your cause). Selling items on Craig's List, walking dogs, donation jars at places you frequent, etc. Lots of good ways to do it. You'd be amazed at the generosity of people when there's some personal meaning in the cause. I met a neighbor with MS and one who's parent had it.

Good luck - I hope you decide to do it!

Originally Posted by Girlie Girl

You are choking me up as I read this!!!

Thanks for the tidbits and helpful pointers. Congrats for finishing it!!! You should be very proud!

I almost signed up last year but the 1500 did scare me from doing it. That is not a small amount to have to raise and if you are doing it with a SO then the amount is double!

Well you have encouraged me enough to seriously look into it more. Will you be doing it again this year? Do you do the one down the Cape?

[Kitty]

My sister participated in an MS walk just a couple of weekends ago in DC.

I've never participated in one - I already know I couldn't walk any more than a couple of blocks (if THAT far). I've sponsored several people, though.

Good luck and I hope it works out that you can participate!

[Girlie Girl]

Greta, thanks for all the ideas! You had some good ones. The hardest part for me would be asking for the donations. I am such a softy. The walk I think I could manage but the money is a different story.

[Girlie Girl]

Originally Posted by herekitty1960

My sister participated in an MS walk just a couple of weekends ago in DC.

I've never participated in one - I already know I couldn't walk any more than a couple of blocks (if THAT far). I've sponsored several people, though.

Good luck and I hope it works out that you can participate!

Thanks Kelly! I am hoping to make it. I am getting a lot of support so I might just try it. I know they say you don't have to finish the walk. As long as you try.

[Chris]

I didn't want to discuss this on here because everytime I think about it, I get all choked up. I went to graduate school at New York University. I really have not kept up with my classmates, and many have scattered all over the country. I was diagnosed while I was in Graduate School, so for the most part, my entire class was aware of it. At the time, I was doing fine, except for the BIG excaerbation which led to my diagnosis.

Several weeks ago, I received an email from a classmate of mine who now lives and practices in Houston, TX. They have one of the largest bike rides in the country. They ride from Houston to Austin which is apparently 170 miles. She asked me if she could send out emails to our classmates stating that she and her husband would be riding the MS150 in my name. I, of course replied that she could, and we went through the alumni directory and tried to reach as many of our classmates and friends that we could. I also gave her the emails of some friends of ours here, and some close family members who live in the states (I am from Great Britain).

The ride was last weekend. In the last 10 days before the ride, she and her husband were able to raise over $10,000.00 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society! I was astounded, not only because she had raised so much money, but because of some of the letters she received asking where I was, and how I was doing. Our class has since come together and we've decided to meet somewhere in the Fall. Another one of our classmate's husband was diagnosed with ALS, and she is now his caretaker and the Mum to 3 children under the age of 8. It made me realise that on the days when I'm feeling really sorry for myself (like today ), that there are people, many of whom I know that are suffering as much as I am, or have spouses who are. This entire thing that was started by a classmate of mine, has changed my outlook on life 180 degrees. Yes, things could be a lot better, but, at the same time, I wasn't looking around to realise that they could be a whole lot worse. Everyone is dealing with something. I heard a saying once, and it's true; "Nobody rides for free". It's SO true. I think we get so wrapped up in the big picture of things, that we forget about the smaller brush strokes.

Do the best you can. Whatever you can do, someone will benefit from it. If you can't walk, volunteer. I think the National Multiple Sclerosis Society does a wonderful job of raising awareness and funds through these walks and bike rides. I try and do as much for them as possible. I've written and stamped envelopes to people in our neighbourhood. I've made phone calls. I have volunteered at the walks when we lived in FLA. Whatever you can do is appreciated. I think they are a great organisation, and do a wonderful job for us. We may not be reaping the benfits right now, but who knows what lays down the road in just 20 years?

I think your heart will be warmed at the people who are willing to help. GO! Do what you can. I think it's one of the best things you can do for yourself, and for other MS patients. You'll feel very satisfied you did something.

THANK YOU!

All the best to you,
Chris