Walk MS 2009 Is Striding Toward a World Free of MS

PHILADELPHIA, PA, Apr 20 (MARKET WIRE) --
Creating a world free of multiple sclerosis is as simple as a Sunday
morning stroll in the park.

That's why more than 12,000 local people will join together over the next
few weeks as part of Walk MS 2009.

The events on April 26 and May 3 at 16 sites throughout Pennsylvania and
New Jersey will raise awareness and vital funds to support research,
programs and services for 11,000 local people living with multiple
sclerosis. With accessible walk sites and a family-friendly atmosphere, it
is the Society's most inclusive fundraiser, drawing people from all walks
of life, all ages and all abilities.

Organizers have set an ambitious goal of raising $3 million this year.
These vital funds are more important than ever, as people living with MS
turn to the National MS Society for help in record numbers and researchers
come ever closer to finding the cause and cure for this unpredictable
neurological disease.

Cindi Garlit knows the power and the hope of Walk MS.

Her father-in-law had MS and lived with her family for 22 years as his
disease progressed. Then, 10 years ago, her 21-year old son Devin learned
he had MS, as well.

"When I found out my son's diagnosis, I punched a hole in the wall of my
laundry room and cried until there were no more tears," said Garlit, of
National Park, N.J.

A few months later, she participated in her first Walk MS. She has walked
every year since with a growing team of friends and family members known
as "Dev's Dream Team." Devin walks with her, including the year he did it
with a cane -- proudly, because it meant he wasn't using a wheelchair.

"As a mom, I always worry about the future, not just for Devin but for the
unthinkable chance that my husband, daughter or son will also get MS,"
Cindi Garlit said. "I have to believe that a cure will be found in my
son's lifetime. That's what keeps me walking for MS."

For more information or to register, call 1-800-883-WALK or visit
www.walk4MS.org.

Walk MS is sponsored by EMD Serono, Pfizer, Air Products, The Aquatic &
Fitness Center, Brandywine Realty Trust, Cobham, Crayola, Guardian, The
Hartford, Hatfield, KPMG, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Liberty Mutual,
Penn Medicine, Reliant Energy, Shore Memorial Hospital, South Jersey
Federal Credit Union, Starbucks, St. Luke's Multiple Sclerosis Center,
Subway, Turkey Hill, WAEB, Wegmans and Zeo Productions.

WALK MS 2009
Check-in for all sites starts at 9 a.m. Walks kick off at 10 a.m.

SUNDAY, APRIL 26
Coca-Cola Park (Home of the IronPigs), Allentown, Pa.
East Goshen Township Park, East Goshen, Pa. (1 mile walk or 5K run)
West End Fair Grounds, Gilbert, Pa.
Moorestown High School, Moorestown, N.J.
Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown, Pa.
Lenape Park, Sellersville, Pa.
Washington Lake Park, Washington Township, N.J.

SUNDAY, MAY 3
Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, Pa. (4, 6, 8-mile walks, 5K, 10K
runs)
North Penn High School, Lansdale, Pa.
Ridley Creek State Park, Media, Pa.
Tyler State Park, Newtown, Pa.
Ocean City Board WALK, Ocean City, N.J.
Gring's Mill Recreation Area, Reading, Pa.
Valley Forge Area, Valley Forge, Pa.
Parvin State Park, Vineland, N.J.
Eastern High School, Voorhees/Gibbsboro, N.J.

Contact:
Anne Krishnan
National MS Society, Greater Delaware Valley Chapter
(215) 271-1500
Email Contact

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