The Central County Community Outreach Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Walk-A-Thon raised more than $26,000 to help find the cause of, treatment for, and ultimately a cure for MS.
It will also help provide education, information, direct financial support, and scholarships to individuals and families living with MS. There is no cure for MS, a chronic disease that impacts the central nervous system – the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.
“When I found out one of my younger firefighters had been diagnosed with MS I knew we needed to raise awareness and help find a cure,” explains Central County Fire & Rescue (CCFR) Captain Doug Raines who organized the event with the help of his fellow firefighters through Central County Community Outreach.
“The outpouring of community support was unbelievable, and will make a huge difference in the lives of local families living with MS,” he says.
More than 100 community members and CCFR firefighters, Fredbird from the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues Alumni Terry Yake all participated in the 24-hour walk-a-thon that ran Sept. 14 and 15.
Rob Hamman American Family Insurance, T-Bones Natural Meats and True Fitness served as sponsors for the event. Proceeds will benefit The Gateway Area Chapter of the National MS Society.