The Challenge Blog is an online forum in support of the
MS Challenge Walk of the
Greater 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:
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Brooke Charron | Brooke is a member of the Blister Buddies and walks with her mom, Patty Thorpe. Brooke lives in southern New Hampshire with her husband and three daughters and is looking forward to her sixth Challenge Walk in 2010. |
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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 serves on the event's steering committee. |
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Drew Davis | Drew is the Logistics Manager for the Greater New England Chapter of the National MS Society. His role behind the scenes helps MS Challenge Walk Cape Cod run smoothly. |
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Jodi Dwyer | Jodi was diagnosed with MS in September 2009 and quickly got involved with the Greater New England MS Chapter. She has participated in the Boston MS Walk for the past two years with her team, The Bean Team. This year she has also joined the crew for the MS Challenge Walk! She lives and works in the Boston area as a medical social worker at a local hospital. |
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Lori Espino | Lori is the Executive Vice President of Resource Development for the Greater New England Chapter of the National MS Society. |
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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. |
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Danielle Kempe | Danielle is a Development Coordinator for the Greater New England Chapter of the National MS Society. Prior to joining the staff at the National MS Society, she served as a crew team captain during the 2009 and 2010 MS Challenge Walks. |
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Todd Krohne | Todd is formerly the Director of Development for the Greater New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In addition to reading his blog posts, you can also find Todd on Twitter. |
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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. |
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Kevin Lombardi | Kevin lives on the North Shore with his family. He first walked in 2005 to honor his brother's battle with MS. In 2006, he created the Lombardi Party Challenge Walk Team. Today, he is the co-captain of the team and walks in memory of his mother, Carmella, who was also afflicted by the disease. This year will be his sixth MS Challenge Walk. |
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Wendy Smith | Wendy, the captain of Team WWW (Walk With Wendy), was diagnosed with MS in 2006. Although she cut down on her work hours during the past year, she still loves her job as a teacher. Wendy lives in Attleboro, MA, with her supportive husband and 9-year-old son, who provides inspiration for her daily! |
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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 Greater NE Chapter's Board of Trustees. |
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Jacqueline Whittaker | Jacqui is a registered nurse working in home dialysis, living in Denver, Colorado. Born and rasied in Gray, Maine, Jacqui was diagnosed with MS in 2003 and has been participating in the MS Challenge Walk since 2007. This year is the first time she's had her own team, Whittaker's Warriors. |
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.
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.
