Published: May 03, 2008 10:35 pm         

Nearly $20,000 raised for MS research

Joy Weikle said she was a “super mom” and “super at work” — then, multiple sclerosis struck in 2001.

“It’s like the old Joy went away,” she said. “You sit and cry for the loss of the person you aren’t anymore.

“But there is hope. ... We will prevail. We have the hope and know we will prevail. There will be a cure for MS.”

Saturday afternoon, an estimated 12 teams walked about a mile around the lake at Little Beaver State Park for Walk MS. The event, one of several of its kind throughout the state and country, raises funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Organizers announced $19,709 in total pledges was raised for the walk in Beaver.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. It damages or destroys the protective covering (known as myelin) surrounding the nerves and sometimes the nerves themselves. People with MS may have symptoms including visual changes, overwhelming fatigue, bladder and bowel dysfunction, numbness, dizziness, impaired mobility, chronic aching pain and other physical, mental and emotional difficulties.

MS is not contagious, and researchers continue to seek a cause and a cure.

Renée Young, a regional development director for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, was pleased to see a large turnout and looming rain staying away. Walk MS is taking place at 10 sites throughout West Virginia.

“I’m sure that for those with MS this is overwhelming — to see all of these people come and support this cause,” Young said. “These may be people directly related to someone with MS or not. People coming together for a common cause, a common goal, is pretty awesome.”

Young said MS usually strikes people between 20 and 50 — during the years people are generally most productive, earning a living and raising families. Women are affected twice as often as men. Nationwide, about 400,000 people live with MS.

Events like Saturday’s, however, fund more medical research that could lead to a cure, she said. Ten years ago, there were no treatments available. Now there are five.

Crab Orchard resident Nancy Parent was diagnosed with MS in 2000. She said she has good days when she can get up and walk through her home and bad days when she is bedridden. Her treatment includes daily shots.

However, she encouraged people to not shun those with MS.

“This is not contagious,” she said. “Just be there for us when we want to talk. When we’re sad, pick us up.”

Parent said events like Walk MS are overwhelming and inspiring, especially because so many young people are now becoming involved.

Austin Spurlock, a 15-year-old sophomore at Woodrow Wilson High School, said he raised $765 for Walk MS. His sister’s best friend was recently diagnosed. Donors included fellow students.

“I wanted to do some volunteer work, and what could be a better cause than this?” he said.

— E-mail: apridemore

@register-herald.com