Local family holds Zumba fundraiser to battle MS

Heather Sinsels brother Robbie was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal chord, seven years ago at age 26.

Ever since, she and her brother have participated in the MS Challenge Walk, among other MS fundraisers, including a mud run and the MS Walk held annually in Lenape Park in Perkasie.

This is the first year hes not walking because hes not well enough, Sinsel said of her brothers health.

Since she wont be able to walk with her brother, she decided to make a team of relatives and friends instead and deemed them Robbies Rockstars. So far, participants include Robbies aunt, Patricia DiPippa; his friend, Colleen Penglase; Sinsels friend, Robin Gilles; and, of course, Sinsel herself.

Each year Sinsel has participated in the Philadelphia MS Challenge Walk, she has hosted a large fundrasing event. This year, she chose to have a fun morning of Zumba. Ditch the workout, join the party, is Zumbas tagline. The exercise form combines Latin and international music with dance moves that offer an effective full-body workout.

Theresa Johnson, who teaches Zumba every Tuesday evening at St. Andrews Church at Dill and Chestnut streets in Perkasie, offered her skills as an instructor at the one-hour Zumba session Sunday, Aug. 5, held at Sinsels Perkasie home. Forty community members adults and kids alike attended, and Robbies Rockstars raised $600 at the event.

Ive been a stay-at-home mom for so long that I cant believe I can actually offer something to the community, Johnson, the mother of seven, said. Johnson said she encourages locals with their own causes to reach out to her for a Zumba fundraiser. Information is available on her website, http://www.zumbawiththeresaj.com.

In order to participate, each member of our team must raise $1,500, Sinsel said. The team kicked off its fundraising efforts with the Zumba session and needs $5,400 more to reach its goal in order to have a four-person team compete in this years challenge walk.

Held the weekend of Oct. 13 and 14, the team will walk 30 miles in both Montgomery County and Philadephia. The first day, they will walk 20 miles to Camp Green Lane in Lansdale, with participants staying overnight at the camp. The second day, participants will complete the last 10 miles of the challenge in Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia MS Challenge Walk is in its 10th year, and during the past 10 years, participants have raised more than $5 million in support of the 13,000 people living with MS in the Philadelphia area. The money raised from the challenge goes to local chapters of the National MS Society to aid in research for treatment, prevention and restorative efforts. The local MS chapters also offer support programs and direct financial assistance to those living with the disease. Continued...

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Local family holds Zumba fundraiser to battle MS