Walkers to raise MS funds

Walkers have the option of completing a two- or four-mile route.

STAFF REPORT

CANFIELD — Walkers and volunteers are needed for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s 2009 Walk MS on Saturday at the Canfield Fairgrounds.

The 2009 Walk MS, sponsored by Giant Eagle, starts with an 8 a.m. registration at the fairgrounds, 7265 Columbiana-Canfield Road.

Walkers have the option of completing a two- or four-mile route around the fairgrounds, and they can participate as individuals or as part of a team, collecting pledges and earning incentive prizes.

Traditionally, each Ohioan raises an average $225 for the support of the more than 18,000 Ohioans living with the disease, MS Society officials said.

In Northeast Ohio, Walk MS events also will be on Saturday in Akron at Blossom Music Center; Hartville at Quail Hollow State Park; Mentor at Mentor High School; Massillon at the Massillon Recreation Center; and Wooster at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. The Cleveland Walk MS event will be May 16 at the Time Warner Cable Amphitheater at Tower City.

According to the Web site www.msactivesource.com, multiple sclerosis is a chronic, progressive illness that affects the nerves in the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the central-nervous system.

It is an autoimmune disease, which means the body’s immune system targets itself, attacking cells, tissues and organs.

For more information about MS or the local walk, call (800) 667-7131 or visit the Walk MS Web site at www.MSohiowalk.org.