News Bulletin - 081700

Normally, children read about heroes in books, but during the National MS Society's MS READaTHON, books make children the heroes in the fight against multiple sclerosis. Last year, the popular reading program celebrated its 25th anniversary with 12,000 participants making the Greater Delaware Valley MS READaTHON one of the most successful in the country. Plans are already underway for this year's exciting and educational program. Registration is now open for students from kindergarten to high school.

During the READaTHON, students ask for pledges from family and friends for each book completed, and then read as many books as possible during a four-week period. Students are eligible for prizes based on the number of books read and amount raised. Special recognition is awarded to the children in each school who raise the most money, read the most books, and gain the most sponsors, as well as a Chapter-wide award presented to the top school. "Being 'a star' is as easy as asking your family to sponsor you and then reading a book," says Event Manager Angela DiGiuseppe.

Pledges raised during the event help fund community programs and ongoing research throughout the world into the causes and effects of MS. Since the inception of the nationwide program in 1974, more than 4 million students have taken part, and a whole new generation of young people have grown up with a greater appreciation of reading and a new understanding of disability awareness. "Not only does the MS READaTHON foster a love of reading, but it also teaches thousands of children about MS, and the value of helping others," says DiGiuseppe.
For more information about the MS READaTHON, call 800-548-4611, or e-mail Event Manager Angela DiGiuseppe.

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