National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter board of trustees member Everett G. Sussman, of Stratford, cuts the ribbon at the start of the Travelers Walk MS Sunday, April 18, at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport with, from left, Connecticut Chapter board of trustees member Janet Pierpont, of Darien, daughter Ruth, 12, and son Eli, 10.
Fundraising for the 2010 Travelers Walk MS, presented by Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, ended June 18. The event, hosted for more than 26 years by the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, exceeded its original $1.22 million goal by raising more than $1.3 million this year.
“This success is a testimony to the devoted support of communities across the state committed to helping people living with multiple sclerosis,” said Lisa Gerrol, Connecticut Chapter president and chief professional officer. “We are deeply moved by this generosity, especially given these fiscally challenging times. As a result of your support, we are able to make significant strides to help fund scientific research and provide truly effective programs and services for those depending on us. The Connecticut Chapter extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped to make this year’s walk event victorious.”
More than 9,000 Connecticut residents stepped out at one of 10 walk sites located across the state, including Greater Westport where more than 1,200 residents stepped out from Sherwood Island State Park. More than 6,000 Connecticut residents live with the potentially debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis, a chronic autoimmune disease for which there currently is no cure. Westport participants raised more than $240,000, helping to ensure ongoing scientific research and provide for the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to those in Connecticut living with MS.
The Travelers Walk MS has raised more than $1 million each year for the past eight consecutive years and remains the chapter’s biggest and most successful event on record. The 2011 Walk MS will be held Sunday, April 17. For more information on Walk MS or to learn more about the many ways to become involved in the fight against MS, visit www.ctfightsMS.org.
