MS walk goes on despite downpour

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society held its signature event, Walk MS, at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau on Sunday, April 19. More than 250 people participated in the walk with the goal of raising $25,000 to combat the disease that affects the nervous system and the transmission of information to the brain.

Walk MS began nationally almost 30 years ago, but this year's event did not go off without a challenge -- namely, the weather. Rain caused some participants to stay home, said organizer Sharon Hileman, who received about 40 calls that morning from people who informed her they would not be there. Her response, according to a story written by Savanna Maue, was that "those walking with MS are dealing with far more obstacles than a little rain. We walk for them, rain or shine." She encouraged people to participate despite the weather.

More than 250 people did just that. After all, what is rain one day considering what people with multiple sclerosis deal with every day? Those who have had their lives altered by disabilities teach us so much more than we could ever teach them. If anyone had a right to sit it out or give up in the midst of difficulties, it would be those who have been blindsided by an unexpected condition -- one that still has many unanswered questions. But they are teaching us what perseverance and strength look like.

Sharon Snell, for example, has been living with MS for more than three decades and has been participating in the walk for almost 20 years. She expressed the importance of the community coming together to support, to share and to encourage.

Sometimes, the rains of life descend, and unfortunately they can manifest themselves in the form of diseases such as multiple sclerosis. People who weather these storms deserve our support -- a truth that those who selflessly participated in this year's MS Walk clearly understand.