News Bulletin - 033000

Volunteers Play a Starring Role In MS WALK, Sunday, April 9

They have more energy than a brigade of summer campers and more enthusiasm than a stadium full of local sports fans. "They" are the thousands of volunteers who will be donating their hearts, hands and feet at the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter's MS WALK on Sunday, April 9. As volunteers, they will help, not only to educate the public about MS, but to ensure that the event is organized and enjoyable as well.

"We always need volunteers to assist with our special events and especially the MS WALK," says Megan DiPanni, MS WALK manager. "Volunteers are the key to our success. We rely on their hard work, dedication and devotion to our cause. This year, those qualities are especially important because we have a new focus. Not only is the WALK a fundraiser, but an opportunity to ask participants to sign a petition for increased federal funding for MS research, and to tell people about the Society's recommendations concerning three new MS drugs, Avonex, Betaseron and Copaxone."

"Most of our volunteers want everyone who participates in the tour to understand the importance of increased federal research funding," says DiPanni. "More funds raised through the WALK mean an accelerated push for a cure! Equally important is telling people about the MS Society's recommendation that people with relapsing-remitting MS start one of these three new drugs as soon as possible after a definite diagnosis, because the agents may reduce or postpone disability."

Volunteers are active in all areas of the MS WALK, from planning and donor solicitation to help at the registration area and service on the cheering committee. Volunteers are also responsible for much of the chapter's success with teams of walkers, staffing rest and lunch stop areas and more. To learn more about volunteering for the MS WALK, please e-mail angela.digiuseppe@pae.nmss.org, visit our website at http://www.walk4ms.org or call us at 1-800-548-4611. The MS WALK will be held locally at ten sites on Sunday, April 9 and an additional ten locations on Sunday, May 7,2000.

The mission of the National MS Society is to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis. Help meet that mission and volunteer today to walk or assist at the MS WALK.

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