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A few of my favorite things

Written by on July 24, 2009 at 11:25 am

Here's what about the MS Challenge Walk makes me smile and laugh:

  • Sarge yelling "Hoo-rah!"
  • Ralph, the "Hamburger Man", at rest stops saying "Thank you for walking for me."
  • Posing for Andrew and Steve in a funny pose, then  hear them say "Wait, do it again," only I can't move to strike the same pose.
  • I love watching the slide shows and hearing all the laughs, cheers, and "aw".
  • The hardest part of the Challenge Walk for me is climbing up into the top bunk bed, especially after 40 miles!
  • Walking, walking, walking, walking, then suddenly hearing the cheers, and clappers and whistles and knowing that a rest stop is near by.

    Jeannie & Melody Felton with Tracy DeBlois and Doug Lowe

  • The fantastic volunteers encouraging me as I trudge on and on, and each biker that passes late in the day says "You're almost there! It's right around the corner!"

  • Epsom salt foot soaks. Aaaahhhh!
  • Jeannie, Melody, and Tracy singing.
  • Hugs. Hugs. Hugs.
  • Checking out everyone's t-shirts.
  • Who doesn't love a parade?
  • Crossing that finish line one more time to say "Screw you, MS!"

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.

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Wanted: One national anthem singer

Written by on July 13, 2009 at 11:45 am

The MS Challenge Walk begins and ends with ceremonies, and we want you to be a part of it. As you arrive on the Hyannis Village Green the morning of Friday, September 11th, there will be various warm-ups, stretches, and exercises to help get ready for your first 20 miles. But before we go, we'll pay our respects to the American flag.

We are looking for a walker or crew member to sing the national anthem at the Hyannis Village Green that Friday morning at 8 AM.  If you or someone you know is a vocalist who wants to contribute to a great start to the MS Challenge Walk, please email mschallenge@mam.nmss.org, or call 800-344-4867 option 2.

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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