FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New London Community Set To Lace-Up and Step Out for Walk MS

New London, Conn. - More than 6,000 Connecticut residents battle the effects of multiple sclerosis daily. In a show of support, each year hundreds of loved ones, friends, neighbors, and co-workers throughout New London and surrounding communities – including Waterford and Groton -- lace up and step out in solidarity for a single cause: to end the potentially devastating effects of MS.

Mitchell College will once again serve as the starting point for this year’s Travelers Walk MS, presented by North American Power, on Sunday, April 22. Check in opens at 8 a.m. and walkers will hit the road at 9 a.m.

Last year’s Travelers Walk MS attracted over 10,000 participants and raised a record amount of more than $1.35 million. The National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter hopes to raise more than $1.45 million this year.

Over 500 walkers took to the streets in New London last year and raised roughly $65,000. This year, the community will stride toward a goal of $71,000.

The top team from last year’s walk was the Mickey Mouse Milers, raising $4,271. The New London site’s top individual walker last year was Chris Getman, who raised $19,625 for the walk.

“Each year New London-area residents come out in large numbers to demonstrate support for those in their community battling multiple sclerosis,” said Karen E. Butler, National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter vice president of communications. “Our New London walk site planning committee members do an exceptional job of rallying the troops, bringing people together from all walks of life in a single effort to raise funds to find a cure.”

This year the New London site will feature music provided throughout the day provided by WCTY 97.7, a Zumba inspired opening stretch, a DJ, a massage therapy station and a Kids Zone (featuring fun activities, face painting, etc.).

Funds raised by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter, through events, such as the Travelers Walk MS presented by North American Power, ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments and a cure, and to provide vital programs and services offered by the chapter.

Travelers Walk MS participant will step out at 12 different sites across the state Sunday, April 22. Lunch is provided compliments of Subway restaurants and Coca-Cola.

Travelers Walk MS community partners include News 8, WUVN Univision, Clear Channel Radio Connecticut, to include The River 105.9, Country 92.5, KISS 95.7, ESPN 1410 AM, KC 101.3, 960 WELI, and ESPN 1300 AM. Other community partners include 95.9 THE FOX and WCTY 97.7.

To learn more about the 2012 Travelers Walk MS, presented by North American Power, or to register, please visit www.ctfightsms.org, or contact Patrick Byrne at 860-913-2550 (x52527) or email patrick.byrne@nmss.org.

To learn more about multiple sclerosis, its effects, and programs and services offered by the chapter to those living with MS by emailing programs@ctfightsms.org or visiting www.ctfightsms.org.

2/17/12