2008 Woodie Awards
Students Stride Forward In Fight Against MS
Alissa Letkowski
Issue date: 4/14/08 Section: News
Dark clouds loomed over campus on Sunday but the rain held back for those participating in the Multiple Sclerosis Walk to raise money and awareness for the cause, hosted by the Connecticut chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Participants began the walk at 11 on Sunday morning and chose either the 1.5-mile or three mile route around campus, beginning at the Student Union.
"This is our second year at UConn and we are grateful for the support that we have received from the students," said Michelle Zimnoch, who is in charge of the Connecticut chapter. "[We] really hope that folks understand how important it is that we raise money … every dollar counts."
According to the Web site, "the Connecticut Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is committed to ending the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis … Participation in the Walk raises vital funds for programs and services provided to Connecticut residents as well as funds scientific research to find a cure."
Nearly 300 participants were expected to show up with donations. Between online contributions and the walk, well over $15,000 was raised.
"I became involved in the walk because my mom was diagnosed with MS the year before I came to UConn," said Alex Finch, a 6th-semester environmental science major and captain of the walk's Team Ape Escape,. Last year, Finch's team walked a total of 30 miles combined and raised over $400.
"This year, I started preparing earlier and with more help from my friends, we were able to recruit more walkers and raise more money donations. Last week we had a party to benefit the walk and it worked pretty well," he said. "[MS] is a disease that we currently have no cure for and not that many people know about it so raising money and awareness about the disease is important."
Many who participated in the walk have also been touched by the disease.
"One of my family members was diagnosed with MS a couple of years ago," said 6th-semester math education major Blair Izard. "So, when I head about the walk last year, I thought that seemed like a great way to raise money and awareness."
To make a donation, visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Web site.
Contact Alissa Letkowski at
Alissa.Letkowski@UConn.edu.
Participants began the walk at 11 on Sunday morning and chose either the 1.5-mile or three mile route around campus, beginning at the Student Union.
"This is our second year at UConn and we are grateful for the support that we have received from the students," said Michelle Zimnoch, who is in charge of the Connecticut chapter. "[We] really hope that folks understand how important it is that we raise money … every dollar counts."
According to the Web site, "the Connecticut Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is committed to ending the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis … Participation in the Walk raises vital funds for programs and services provided to Connecticut residents as well as funds scientific research to find a cure."
Nearly 300 participants were expected to show up with donations. Between online contributions and the walk, well over $15,000 was raised.
"I became involved in the walk because my mom was diagnosed with MS the year before I came to UConn," said Alex Finch, a 6th-semester environmental science major and captain of the walk's Team Ape Escape,. Last year, Finch's team walked a total of 30 miles combined and raised over $400.
"This year, I started preparing earlier and with more help from my friends, we were able to recruit more walkers and raise more money donations. Last week we had a party to benefit the walk and it worked pretty well," he said. "[MS] is a disease that we currently have no cure for and not that many people know about it so raising money and awareness about the disease is important."
Many who participated in the walk have also been touched by the disease.
"One of my family members was diagnosed with MS a couple of years ago," said 6th-semester math education major Blair Izard. "So, when I head about the walk last year, I thought that seemed like a great way to raise money and awareness."
To make a donation, visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Web site.
Contact Alissa Letkowski at
Alissa.Letkowski@UConn.edu.
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