CULLMAN – The National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Walk MS: Cullman 2016 event was held at Heritage Park on Saturday morning. The annual walk celebrates those fighting MS and raises money to find a cure for the debilitating neurological disease that affects approximately 400,000 people in the United States and up to 2.5 million global citizens.
Although a light rain fell in Cullman earlier in the morning, the sky had relatively cleared by the 9 a.m. walk start time. Hundreds of participants gathered to enjoy free biscuits provided by Jack’s Family Restaurants, live music and a quick cardio warm-up by Jennifer Lewis of the Cullman Wellness and Aquatic Center. Soon after, the walkers began their trek around the park in a show of solidarity for those battling the crippling disease.
Amber Williams of Team MSfits proudly displayed her team’s quilt which highlighted MS Walk shirts from the past several years. Chances to win the quilt were available for $2 each. Her mother, Angela Snider, was diagnosed with MS in 2008.
“When my mom first started having symptoms, the rules and regulations said you had to be so sick before they would diagnose and start treating you,” said Williams. “As a result, my mom ended up having to quit work and go on disability. She was finally diagnosed in 2008 and was able to start treatment then.”
Since then the laws have changed allowing for diagnosis and treatment to begin earlier. Williams shared, “I feel like if those laws were the way they are now when my mom first started having symptoms, she would probably still be able to work.
“Mom was actually supposed to be here this morning, but she’s had a rough few days with her MS so I told her that she’s not invited anymore and she has to stay at home and start feeling better!”
The goal for Saturday’s walk was $59,815, and one-fifth of that amount was raised prior to the event.
For more information and to find resources, visit the Alabama-Mississippi chapter of the National MS Society at http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/ALC.
