MS group seeks volunteers

Sturdy legs and helping hands are needed for the upcoming 2003 Multiple Sclerosis Walk, scheduled for 1 p.m. April 13 at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Gateway Area Chapter, seeks volunteers in the following areas: medical volunteers (RNs, EMTs, podiatrists, physical therapists, doctors, yoga instructors and massage therapists), registration/information, staff rest stops, site closing, driving support vehicles, decorations, communications, parking, lunch/dinner service, loading/unloading supplies and truck drivers.

For information on how to volunteer, call Victoria Love at (314) 781-9020.

To register for the walk, call (800) FIGHT-MS or visit www.gatewaymswalk.org. Registration will also take place at Westfield Shoppingtown West Park from 4 to 8 p.m. April 4 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 5.

The two-mile walk along the park's hiking, biking trail is conveniently accessible for the handicapped and those participants with strollers.

Each week more than 200 people are diagnosed with MS. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. Its unpredictable symptoms can range from fatigue and numbness in the limbs to more severe conditions, such as loss of vision or paralysis, which come without warning or pattern.

"One of the highlights of the walk is meeting new people and greeting walkers who come back every year," said Robin White, chairwoman for the walk and MS sufferer.

Activities for 2003 walk include a cake walk, barbecue lunch, clowns, square dancing, a horseshoe tournament, giveaways and a sound system provided by Zimmer Radio.

"This year's walk doubles as a family reunion day for some walkers," White said. "Participants are meeting family members at Arena Park to walk together."

The National MS Society plans to open a Cape Girardeau location in late spring with a full range of programs and services for people in the area living with the effects of MS.