JACKSON YOUTH RECOGINZED AS UNSUNG HERO OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY

A Jackson man recently was honored as the 1998 "Unsung Hero" by the Multiple Sclerosis Gateway Area Chapter.

Chad Meyer was recognized for his years of local service to the organization, including co-chairman of the MS Super Cities Walk held each spring. Meyer is a senior at Southeast Missouri State University, majoring in recreational therapy. He will graduate in May. He is also a sales associate at Sears in Cape Girardeau.

This marks only the second year the MS chapter has presented the "Unsung Hero" award. The award is designed to recognize individuals who are "dependable, caring and responsive" to the needs of the organization.

At the presentation in St. Louis, Meyer also received recognition as a 10-year volunteer.

Meyer became a volunteer in the fight against Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 14 by walking in the first MS Super Cities Walk in St. Louis, along with his parents, Mary and Charles Meyer, and his aunt, Karen Smith, also of Jackson.

The following year, Chad and his mother became co-coordinators of the Jackson/Cape MS Walk. The 1999 walk, scheduled April 11, will mark the 10th year for the walk.

In 1997, Chad and Mary Meyer were featured chairpeople in the MS Walk in Your Community magazine. That same year, the Meyers hosted more than 250 participants and raised more than $14,000 at the annual walk.

Chad Meyer also rides every September in the 150-mile Bike Tour Against MS, which begins in Warrenton. This year, the bike tour hosted about 1,300 riders and raised about $250,000.