The Challenge Blog is an online forum in support of the MS Challenge Walk of the Central New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. For three days and fifty miles, we will come together to walk across Cape Cod, raising funds for and awareness of multiple sclerosis. Whether you are a veteran volunteer or a first-timer, a walker or crew member, and whether you're walking for a relative, a friend, or yourself, we are here to support you!

This blog will give you a look at the training, fundraising, and inspiration that are a part of the experience. The Challenge Walk is more than an event — it's a community that we want you to be a part of. We hope to give you ideas, answer your questions, and invite you to share your thoughts and stories. You can use the blog categories (listed to the right) to read posts on specific topics, or you can sign up for free email updates, so you won't have to remember to come back to read our latest posts.

The Challenge Blog is an unofficial site that is not sponsored or moderated by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society — but you'll still see a lot of familiar names and faces. Here's the lineup of authors you'll find on the Challenge Blog:

Susan Cohn-Child	Susan lives in the greater Boston area and has been involved with the National MS Society since she was diagnosed with MS eleven years ago. She has participated in the MS Challenge walk for the past seven years and currently services on the event's steering committee.
Ken Gagne	Ken, a Worcester resident, joined the MS Challenge Walk in 2005, more than a decade after his mother was diagnosed. After walking for three years and 150 miles, he switched to the support crew and now rides his bicycle along the trail, providing whatever encouragement (and snacks!) he can to the 600 walkers. He is also on the event's steering committee and is this site's webmaster.
Kara Kelley	Kara is the Development Coordinator for the Central New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Caroline Krantz	Caroline is getting ready to walk her fifth MS Challenge Walk. This is also the anniversary of when she was herself diagnosed with MS. Her walking team is Kranny's Cruisin' Divas. Caroline spoke at last year's last year's August Celebration and is a member of the walk's steering committee.
Todd Krohne	Todd is the Associate Director of Development for the Central New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In addition to reading his blog posts, you can also find Todd on Twitter.
Heather Hancock	Heather lives in Hampton, NH and completed her first 50 miles in 2003 in honor of her great-grandmother who had MS. Ironically, she began having symptoms in 2004, and was finally diagnosed with MS in 2006. This will be her 6th walk, and her first as team captain of "All Smiles for 50 Miles". Heather recruited 7 friends to walk, and her mom to volunteer on the Crew. Heather is a pediatric physical therapist in NH.
Jill Lagace	Jill lives in East Taunton with her husband and a very annoying cat. She was diagnosed with MS a little over 10 years ago when she was 24. She has been participating in the Challenge Walk since the beginning as a crew member and can also be found at many other fundraising events.
Joan Pena	Joan joined the MS Challenge Walk in 2004 when her friend and now Blister Buddies team captain, Patty Thorpe registered to walk. Patty, diagnosed with MS over 10 years ago, shared her diagnosis with Joan early on in their friendship. The undertaking of that first Challenge Walk and the three that followed not only strengthened Patty’s and Joan’s friendship, it began an MS educational journey that continues well after mile fifty each year.
Craig Thorpe	I walk for my wife, Patty, diagnosed with MS in 1994. I walked for my first two years but decided to switch to bike crew on my third year, a role I've enjoyed these past two years. If you need water, Tootsie Pops, or anything else, let me know. Patty and I have met so many wonderful people over these past years and together we can hopefully contribute to the cure.
Patty Thorpe	Diagnosed with MS in 1994, Patty responded the way many do: she refused to discuss it. It took her ten years to realize that silence isn't the answer. She, her friends and family formed the Blister Buddies for their first Challenge Walk in 2004. Patty is now on the Challenge Walk Steering Committee and chairs the PR Subcommittee. In November 2008, she became a member of the Central NE Chapter's Board of Trustees.
Tim Tynan	This September will mark Tim's sixth MS Challenge Walk. He is a member of Gordon's Team, named for his brother-in-law, Gordon Mellis. Tim signed up for the Challenge Blog in the hope that his story is both personal and at the same time common enough to be useful to others.

Our banner is courtesy Andrew Child Photography.

The views and opinions expressed on the MS Challenge Blog are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the National MS Society. Neither the MS Challenge Blog, its authors, nor the NMSS make any guarantees, expressed or implied, regarding the content or accuracy of this blog. All rights reserved. Void where prohibited. Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball.