WALK MS -- WE CAME, WE WALKED, WE CONQUERED

I spent yesterday morning in the company of thousands of participants at WALK MS 2008 at the Los Angeles Rose Bowl.  Families, friends, colleagues from work, classes from school, teams, church groups and every other iteration of "support" came together to Join the Movement, demonstrate their support and raise money for the ongoing fight against MS.

The common thread running through the crowd was that most everyone knew someone affected by MS.  This was illustrated by the high incidence of "I am walking because..." t-shirts that each told an individual story, even in only proclaiming someone's name.  Silent testimony was seen in the photos that people carried on their backs or attached to their signs.  And then there was the brave and unrelenting effort of those walkers who carried markers of the disease itself.  Imagine doing a 3-mile walk while using a walker or a wheelchair.  Yet each participant felt compelled to add their effort to the collective.  And in numbers, we all seemed to find power.  And the nightmare that is MS was beaten back yesterday by the determination of each of us.

I felt proud to be out among such a noble crowd.  Their courage became my courage.  Their determination fortified my determination.  Their spirit fueled my spirit.  And I left at the end of the event knowing that we are closer than ever to finding a cure for MS.  That's the power of a group.  Its collective voice can be louder than the sound of just one voice.  Its collective heart can be bigger and stronger than any one heart.  And its collective power can outshine the power of any individual. 

MS attacks individuals...but there's much to be gained in fighting back as a group.  It's too bad we can't all get together and walk every week or every month...but at the very least we can get together through venues like this blog.  By reading and sharing and commenting we can each benefit from our collective strength.  I'm up for it...and I hope you are too!

Comments

[Herman Mack]

I just wanted to say thanks to you and all those that participated in the walk. It means so much to me and all the other MSers that wanted to participate but just couldn't physically do it. I know I'll be out there with you guys real soon. I promise.

[Kim Fontana]

Hello, I've been searching, recently, for a college classmate, Jeanne Caputo. We were college roommates at the University of Rochester during 1979-1980. My searching has led me here, and I've come to suspect she is suffering from MS. Could you confirm that I've found Jeanne, originally from Wayne, NJ, and ascertain whether she would be interested in hearing from me? Thank you.