Make Strides Toward a World Free of MS

Walk MS Tulsa builds new connections at new location.

“Multiple sclerosis is a disease that destroys connections. Walk MS builds connections,” says Sarah Flowers, development manager at the National Multiple Sclerosis
Society – Oklahoma. On Saturday, May 2, the National MS Society hosts Walk MS at Tulsa Community College’s southeast campus. The event serves as a vehicle for fundraising and community support for those affected by MS.

At its core, MS is an immune-mediated disease involving the deterioration of nerve fibers. The damaged nerve fibers develop scar tissue (sclerosis), which disrupts communications in the central nervous system and produces a diverse range of symptoms, from numb, tingling or weakened limbs to blurred vision, slurred speech and trembling. In short, MS stops people from moving.

In keeping with the theme of building new connections, Walk MS is a call to action: keep moving forward and together we can work to find a cure.
“Walk MS is a great event that brings people together,” says Flowers. “For those living with MS, as well as loved ones who support them, it’s an opportunity to raise awareness and meet others who are fighting the disease.”

In previous years, Walk MS was held at Veterans Park. This year, the event has partnered with Tulsa Community College to establish a larger and more convenient site for participants and vendors. “We’re excited to bring Walk MS to TCC this year,” says Flowers. “The campus will allow room for the event to grow.”

 

Last year, Walk MS brought about 900 participants. This year, Flowers expects to break 1,000. In the past, parking was a challenge for participants and vendors alike. TCC’s southeast campus, located just off Highway 169 and 81st Street, offers an ideal setting for the event. The sprawling campus, which hosts a segment of the Mingo Valley Trail, provides plenty of space for a walking path to be marked for the event. Even better, there will be ample parking for everyone and easy access for friends and family to line up along the path to cheer on the participants.

Walk MS will set up its main booths outside the VanTrease PACE auditorium (located on the east side of campus, facing Highway 169). In addition to on-site registration, attendees can look forward to food and drink, as well as Blue Bell ice cream. There will also be activities for the kids, including inflatables and face painting. Also, MidFirst Bank is sponsoring a coin drive to help with fundraising. If $750 is raised at the event, then the bank will match the donations – so be sure to search the couch cushions, empty your pockets and gather up the change in your car’s ashtray!

The event will also host Expo MS, which features booths from community and industry partners. Some of the organizations will offer information and resources for those affected by MS, while others specialize in mobility technology. As attendees peruse the booths and collect information, they can enter for chances to win giveaways.

Online registration is encouraged, and can be found through the NMSS website or by going to www.WalkMS.org and entering your zip code in the search bar. Once registered, be sure to save the link in your bookmarks. NMSS makes it easy to begin spreading the word and fundraising. Each participant has the ability to personalize their page with their own story and photos. Additionally, the website provides a wealth of resources related to MS – statistics, research and more.

Walk MS begins at 9 a.m. with breakfast, last-minute registration and participant check-in. The walk begins at 10 am. Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of the strides made toward a world free of MS. 

 For more information, contact

National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Oklahoma

4606 E. 67th St., Ste. 103

Tulsa, OK 74137

(918) 770-7266

www.WalkMS.org