Adrian resident takes part in fundraiser walk for MS

By SHARON KIESEL

Early in June, Adrian resident, Lisa Snyder took part in a 50 mile fundraiser walk for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The walk took place in Olathe Kansas and the route began at the Indian Trails Middle school. The event took place over a three day period.

Just to participate, walkers had to raise a minimum of $700 through checks and on-line pledges and checks. Lisa said she and every walker participating in the event, each raised over a $1000. The money goes toward trying to find a cure for the disease. That is very important to Lisa, who was diagnosed with MS in 2002.

MS affects each person differently which makes it difficult to diagnose. It is an autoimmune disease where the immune system, which normally defends the body from outside substances, turns and begins attacking the body instead. It causes various areas of the central nervous system to weaken and eventually be lost altogether. It often affects the vision. Limbs may begin with tingling sensations then become numb and/or lose strength. Paralysis, loss of eyesight, speech or memory can occur along with difficulty in walking or even keeping one’s balance, are all part of the many symptoms of MS. Between attacks, people can recover or nearly recover from each event while still other people progressively suffer loss of function.

Lisa said her advice to anyone newly diagnosed with MS would be to find a doctor who specializes in the disease. She went through the Mid-American Neurological Research Foundation in Kansas City, Missouri to find her doctor. “When I was diagnosed I was told I’d probably be in a wheelchair within ten years,” she said. “Five years ago, I started working out to try and ward that off. I was in the military for seven years so I just started working out with those exercises, keeping as active as possible, which has helped.

Lisa really appreciates all the support she has received from Bates County for the MS walk. She is already planning to participate in the walk next year, which will take place June 3, 4 and 5. In the meantime, Lisa attends regular monthly meetings with an MS support group in Bates County. The group meets through the Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler.

For more information on MS, check out one of the many websites on the subject. If you are interested in attending a MS support group meeting, contact Cheryl Hebblethwaite at 660-200-7046 for more information. Cheryl is the education director at the Bates County Hospital.

Pictured: Area citizens particated in the 50 mile walk for Multiple Sclerosis. Pictured left to right: Kelly Lawrence, Butler; Lisa Snyder, Adrian; Cheryl Stephens, Butler.