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Funds from walk stay local
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
YOUNGSTOWN
Sunny skies and colorful fall leaves made the walk a pleasant one. But that’s not why the walkers participated.
People gathered Sunday at the James L. Wick Jr. Recreation Area for a four-mile walk through Mill Creek MetroParks to benefit theMultiple Sclerosis Services Agency.
The MSSA is a nonprofit agency that serves people with MS in the tri-county area.
Kristina Ring of Champion pulled her sons, Daniel,4, and Aiden, 2, in a wagon as she walked.
“I was diagnosed [with MS] a year ago, and so that’s why we’re walking,” Ring said.
“We walked last year, and that was our first year. It was nice. It’s a nice course.
“It’s safe. We really enjoyed it. And it makes the miles go quick because you’re walking through the scenery.”
“I think it’s important because the money stays here in the Valley,” she added.
She also likes that the MSSA is a local resource.
“They actually were the first ones I called,” she said. “They were extremely helpful.”
Marianne Brdek of Warren, Ring’s aunt, participated in the annual walk for the first time. She chose to run the course.
“This is wonderful,” she said. “And when I found out [the money] stays in the Valley, that made it even more worthwhile.”
MS is a chronic, often disabling, disease that attacks the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or
severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another.
MSSA services and programs include the MS Clinic at St. Elizabeth Health Center, equipment-loan program, support groups, information and referrals, educational programs and workshops, a newsletter, health fairs and social activities.
Carla Amann of Austintown has participated in the annual MSSA walk since she was diagnosed with MS in 1992.
Rather than simply donating money, Amann participates because she can walk.
“There are a lot of people with MS that can’t walk,” she said. “So I feel that it’s a privilege and an honor that I’m still able to do that. So as long as I can, I’m doing it.”
Her mother, Ginny Betke of New Waterford, walks with her every year. This year, Amann’s 11-year-old daughter, Tianna, joined them.
Sunday’s event was the 21st annual MS Super Walk.