Local Musician is Busking for Mobility

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Multiple sclerosis, or MS, affects more than 2 million people worldwide, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. It affects the central nervous system, often causing numbness and mobility problems. One Cedar Rapids man, armed with only a couple musical instruments, has been performing on the street to help people with the disease.

Four years ago, Mark Brown started strumming, singing, and humming to raise money for MS research and treatment.

Or as he calls it, "Busking for Mobility."

Brown has been a busker - or street performer - for a long time, so he makes it look easy. But playing became a challenge for him 13 years ago.

"I had sensations coming down the side of my face, which I was hoping it wasn't an aneurysm, but then I was losing control of my fingers a little bit," Brown recalled.

An MRI revealed he had MS. However, it doesn't keep him from carrying a tune.

"I got quite a few here, I've got about 200 songs," Brown said.

Like any good street performer, Brown takes requests. He knows lot of oldies.

"The kids look at me kind of puzzled sometimes," said Brown. "I see a lot of the older people, and they sing along when they walk by. They know the song."

To keep the music going, Brown devised a little tool he attached to his strumming thumb, with part of a rubber glove and super glue.

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Local Musician is Busking for Mobility