Walking laps for MS

Support for those afflicted with multiple sclerosis was seen in the faces of those participating last fall at the annual McCook MS Walk in Norris Park.

Southwest Nebraskans and Northwest Kansans can have a positive impact in the battle against multiple sclerosis Saturday, Sept. 21, by participating in the annual MS Walk at Norris Park.

The McCook MS 2002 walk is scheduled from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. with on-site registration opening at 8:30 a.m. Pledge forms are available by calling Joann Nemechek at (308) 345- 6816 or Marsha Overton at (308) 345-6412.

Walkers are encouraged to make as many laps around the park as they are able to in the time provided. Food and beverages will be available at the park. The purpose of the walk and the mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, is "to end the devasting effect of multiple sclerosis."

Participants can offer time, talent, money and energy toward the fight.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system where the insulating material along nerve fibers, myelin, becomes inflamed, swollen and detached from the fibers. When this occurs, the pathway of the nerve fibers is unprotected and a disruption of the messages to and from the central nervous system is the result.

Symptoms vary, depending on the severity of the damage and the areas where damage has occurred. They include blurred or double vision, localized tingling or numbness, weakness in the hand or leg, fatigue, dizziness or loss of coordination and balance. As the disease progresses, so do the symptoms. Muscle spasms, slurred speech, bowel and bladder problems, paralysis and additional vision problems, including blindness, are all evidence of multiple sclerosis in the progressive stages.

Approximately 200 residents of Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas have received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. There are approximately 5,000 Neb-raska residents afflicted with the disease and more than 400,000 suffering nationwide.

Nationally, MS is the most commonly diagnosed neurological disease for adults between 20 and 50 years of age. It is most common in Caucasians and women are twice as likely to be afflicted as men.

As always, research is the key to a cure and to advances in treatment. The funds raised during the McCook MS Walk 2002 will be used for research and for support for local programs.

The walk this year will include a "Wall of Hope," a collection of pink, cut-out hearts on which participants can write their wishes, hopes, prayers or reasons for walking in the MS McCook 2002 walk.

Weather permitting, all of the hearts will be displayed so that everyone can see and share.

Corporate supporters and walkers representing local businesses are encouraged to contact Joann Nemechek for information on how to participate.