Walk MS Event To Go Ahead On March 30

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society announced that its annual Walk MS: Greater Los Angeles fundraiser will proceed as scheduled on Sunday, March 30, starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena.

Despite recent devastating California wildfires, organizers decided to move forward with the event after consulting with local officials and community partners.

“We are holding all of those affected by the devastating California wildfires in our hearts,” said a statement from Walk MS organizers. “After speaking with local officials, community partners and many of our dedicated Walk MS fundraisers and volunteers, we’ve made the decision to proceed with Walk MS: Greater Los Angeles on March 30.”

The statement emphasized the importance of community gathering during difficult times: “We are confident we can host this event safely, and we heard loud and clear from our Walk MS community that coming together is more important than ever.”

The fundraising event unites the multiple sclerosis community in what organizers say is “the largest gathering of its kind” to raise funds for those living with MS.

Participants can choose between a one-mile route and a three-mile route, both designed to be accessible for strollers and mobility devices. All routes are accessible, and mobility devices are welcome.

The event site will open at 8 a.m., with an opening ceremony starting at 9:30 a.m. and the walk officially kicking off at 10 a.m.

Participants are encouraged to wear orange gear, the signature color of MS awareness campaigns.

This year’s Walk MS is centered around the theme “Circles of Support,” highlighting the people and organizations that improve the lives of those with multiple sclerosis.

The interactive concept encourages participants to identify their place within the MS community, whether as patients or supporters.

Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. The disease disrupts information flow within the brain and between the brain and body, causing symptoms that vary widely among patients.

Common symptoms of MS include fatigue, memory difficulties, mood changes, mobility issues, numbness, pain, tingling and vision impairment.

The severity and manifestation of these symptoms can change from day to day and year to year. MS can affect different areas of the body, and symptoms depend on where inflammation and damage are occurring at any specific time.

To register for Walk MS Greater Los Angeles visit https://events.nationalmssociety.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=2143.