Events draw attention to multiple sclerosis

McCOOK, Neb. -- A free-will donation motorcycle ride in conjunction with a multiple sclerosis walk day is set for this Saturday at Norris Park and next weekend a national run in support of the cause will pass through the area.

The "MS Walk Day" is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. with breakfast available. Registration for the third annual motorcycle "Ride for MS" will follow at 9:30 a.m. and departure for Bird City, Kan., will be at 10 a.m.

Riders will eat lunch at the Daily Bread Cafe in Bird City before proceeding to Oberlin, Kan., for a refreshment break. Event coordinators have scheduled disc golf play in Oberlin for those interested. Frisbees can be provided.

"There is no set fee to be in the walk or ride, we simply ask that you make any amount of free-will donation to the MS Society for research and treatment of MS patients," said event coordinator Jim Howard. Howard can be reached at 308-350-4628 for more information.

On Saturday, June 11, one of 15 runners trekking from Los Angeles to New York City will pass through McCook before breaking in Holdrege. The relay event features a team of 15 runners each covering an average of 160 miles over six consecutive days to raise funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis. The runners average a marathon per day for six days each, slightly more than 26 miles.

Relay runner Sammy Bridges is projected to run through McCook the morning of June 11 on his way to a finish in Holdrege. For more information on the "MS Run the US" event visit: www.msruntheus.com or www.msruntheus.com/follow