More MS news articles for Nov 2001

Plant City Holds 1st Walk To Fight MS

http://www.tampatrib.com/News/MGAKLKPQKTC.html

By MAUREEN PEARSON Tribune correspondent
Published: Nov 3, 2001

PLANT CITY - About 500 people will be walking Nov. 10 at the Plant City High School track to help raise money to fight multiple sclerosis. The MS Walk is the first for Plant City, said organizers.
"There are events in Orlando and Tampa, but a lot of people like to walk in their town," said Carol Rodriguez, a member of the planning committee.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk starts at 9 a.m. Walkers are encouraged to gather donations for the Mid- Florida Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which covers 23 counties including Hillsborough. The group hopes to generate $15,000 with the walk.

"A lot of people don't know what MS is and we're trying to make people more aware," said Rodriguez. "It doesn't make a difference how long you walk."

Family activities are planned during the walk for participants and spectators. Rodriguez said they include a puppet show, magician, clowns and face painting.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. The disease affects twice as many women as men, said Barbara Frank with the MidFlorida Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. "Symptoms occur most often between ages 20 and 50. Almost everyone knows someone with MS," Frank said.

For information call Rodriguez at (813) 757-6234.

Maureen Pearson can be reached in care of The Tampa Tribune, 223 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland FL 33801 or at mbpearson@ worldnet.att.net