Wichita Walk MS 2014

Two weeks ago our MS Walk team, "Go For Gloria", participated in the Wichita MS Walk.  It was a beautiful Saturday morning.  We all put on our special team t-shirts that Eric Paul designed for us three years ago and headed to Sedgwick County Park for some fun and to help raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis.  My Mom, Gloria, was diagnosed with MS about five years ago.  Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system (the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord).  MS can cause blurred vision, loss of balance, poor coordination, slurred speech, tremors, numbness, extreme fatigue, problems with memory and concentration, paralysis, blindness and more.  These problems may be permanent or may come and go.  Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, although individuals as young as 2 and as old as 75 have developed it.  MS is not considered a fatal disease, as the vast majority of people with MS live a normal life-span.  But the unpredictability of the disease can present many challenges, including the possibility of facing increasing limitations.

At the starting line and registration area there were tables of snacks and drinks set up for all who were there.  There was a large stage set-up with activities and music for all to enjoy.  There were several small tents set-up with information about MS and resources available to those with MS and their families or friends.

The Wichita State Shockers mascot was there.

There were hundreds of people there to walk, volunteer, and show support to all those who live with Multiple Sclerosis daily.  We had nineteen people there to walk on our team this year.  All walkers could pick to walk a one or three mile path taking them around the park.  About five of our team members picked to go the three mile route, and the rest of us stuck with the one mile route.

There were three warm-up dance exercise instructors there to lead a short warm-up for everyone before the walk started.  Some of our younger team members really enjoyed the warm-up!

There was also a team t-shirt contest.  Silas and I went up on the stage to represent the "Go For Gloria" team.

The National Anthem was sung to kick off the race.

Here we all go...

After the race there were hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, cookies, frozen custard, tea, pop, and water, all made available by generous sponsors to all walk participants for lunch.  There were many tables and chairs set-up and a band was playing for all to stay and enjoy.

2014 MS Walk "Go For Gloria" team members there for the walk included: Gloria and Paul Hastings, Eric and Stacee Hendrickson, Sarah, Phoebe, and Silas, Beki Hastings, Camryn, Drew, and Jackson, Charles and Wyonna Hastings, Dale and Jan Hastings, Johannah, Sophie Freuler, and Jessica and Andrew Higgins.

This year our team raised a total of $1561.  We had seven people who raised $100 or more on our team, and four of those people each raised over $200!  We could not have done this again this year without the help of each one of you who have generously given to show your support for my Mom and others with Multiple Sclerosis.  THANK YOU!