Ginnie Highsmith, Campus Carrier Staff Reporter
Berry is sponsoring its 12th annual Multiple Sclerosis Walk on campus on April 5 at 10 a.m.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects the central nervous system and the flow of information throughout the body. Symptoms include blurred vision, loss of balance, poor coordination, challenges with memory and possible paralysis. It is not contagious nor necessarily genetic, and it affects more than 2.3 million people worldwide. No cure has been found yet.
This walk is a national event that started in 1988. Berry hosts the northwest Georgia district’s walk for the Rome and Floyd County community. The walk, which is held to raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis and fundraise for research and medication, is being led by A New Year A New You, Berry College Volunteer Services, head football coach Tony Kunczewski, associate vice president of student affairs Julie Bumpus, and former Berry professor Kay Gardner.
Bumpus said Berry hopes to raise $5,000 with an ultimate goal of $17,000 for the Rome and Floyd County community. Berry also hopes to have at least 100 students participate in the walk. So far, 65 students have signed up.
Kunczewski said many will also find personal meaning with the walk.
“This event is a great opportunity for people to honor loved ones who have dealt with or are dealing with MS,” Kunczewski said.
Bumpus said the walk will help fund important research to find a cure for MS.
“The best thing we can do is raise awareness and help fund the needed research to help make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering or know people who are or have suffered with MS,” Bumpus said.
The first 100 students or faculty who sign up and participate in the event will receive a free T-shirt. For more information on MS and for students or faculty who would like to register, go to nationalmssociety.org/goto/berrycollege.