MS Walk to raise funds for aid, research and cures for multiple sclerosis

LAS CRUCES >> Registration has already more than doubled over last year for Walk MS, to be held at Young Park on Saturday. "If you are a person living with MS (multiple sclerosis), a friend, a family member, it's great to come out and be a part of this event," said Maggie Schold, senior development manager of the National MS Society in New Mexico. "We have music and food and all of those fun event things."

Last year's walk drew about 200 walkers and $20,000 for scholarships, research and aid for those living with the disease.

Walk MS: Las Cruces 2014 will kick off at 8 a.m. Saturday at Young Park. Participants can choose to walk a 1-, 2.5- or 5-mile route that goes from the park down the Triviz multipurpose path and back.

Amadita Diaz takes the lead in front of Monica and Eric Bird for team Milagro while taking part in last year's Walk MS: Las Cruces held at Young Park Pavilion. Diaz and her family started walking to help raise funds for multiple sclerosis 12 years ago after she was diagnosed with the often disabling disease of the central nervous system. (Niki Rhynes FOR THE SUN-NEWS)

The event includes food, music and a number of informational booths from local and national sponsors, Schold said.

There is no registration fee, but walkers are encouraged to raise funds and donate to the cause, she said.

"It puts a real face on MS," she said.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system. It happens when the immune system attacks the myelin a protective coating around nerve fibers in the central nervous system. This causes scar tissue to build, which disrupts the nerve impulses flowing to and from the brain.

Damage and scar tissue buildup may cause numbness, tingling, dizziness, paralysis, difficulty walking, bowel problems and pain. It affects every person differently.

About 200 people in Doa Ana County live with multiple sclerosis, 2,900 in New Mexico and 2.3 million worldwide, Schold said.

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MS Walk to raise funds for aid, research and cures for multiple sclerosis