Dear MS Challenge Walkers and Crew,

Can you believe it's almost been 2 months since the 2010 MS Challenge Walk? Thank you again for all of your hard work and dedication to make this year's event such a success! This brings us 2 months closer to the 2011 MS Challenge Walk on September 9–11 and a step closer to a cure.

2011 MS Challenge Walk Registration

Registration for the 2011 MS Challenge Walk (September 9-11, 2011) is open online. Next September will be our 10th annual walk. Come celebrate with us as we have raised $11.5 million dollars over these years towards a cure.

In order to take advantage of the pre-registration discount of $50 off the $75 registration fee, please register online with the discount coupon code: CWPREREG

Even if you have already pre-registered at the Pre-Finish BBQ, you will still have to go online to register with the discount code to confirm your participation. This special offer for past walkers and crew will expire on October 31, 2010, so register today — and be sure to RSVP on Facebook, too!

We look forward to having you all back in 2011!

Fundraising Prizes — Deadline Extended!

For those who have raised $2,500, you have the opportunity to claim a messenger bag with the MS Challenge Walk logo and "Top Fundraiser" on it. If you have raised $5,000, you are eligible to receive the messenger bag AND an aluminum water bottle with the MS Challenge Walk logos on them. Those who have raised $10,000 or more are eligible for the messenger bag, an aluminum water bottle, and a long sleeved wicking shirt with the MS Challenge Walk logos on it!

If you wish to claim your prize, please contact the NMSS before this Friday, Oct. 29, to ensure you are included in the order. Or, you can donate your prize back to the National MS Society to ensure that the money you raised goes that much further.

Speaking of fundraising, we encourage all walkers and crew to continue fundraising towards a cure. If you haven't done so already, send out an email to your friends, family and colleagues about the amazing time you had at the Challenge Walk and how they can still donate towards your efforts. We are accepting money for the 2010 Challenge Walk until November 15th so keep fundraising!

Thanks again!

Once again, thank you so much for walking at the MS Challenge Walk. You should feel proud that your every step this weekend helped give hope to the 19,000 individuals with MS and their families in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2011 MS Challenge Walk!

Kara is the former Development Coordinator for the Greater New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Dear MS Challenge Walk Participants,

Summer is right around the corner and so is the MS Challenge Walk! Have you started your training and fundraising yet? If you haven't, now is a great time to start. Your commitment to this event will make an enormous difference in the lives of those with MS. With a little bit of work and perseverance, you will easily meet your goals. The MS Challenge Walk Team will be here to help you along the way.

Training Walks

Lace up your shoes and hit the trails! This summer we will be offering two opportunities to train with fellow Challenge Walkers. For each Challenge Training Walk you attend, your fundraising account will be credited $50 in bonus bucks!

August 7, 8 AM – 3 PM
D. W. Fields Park
156 South Street
Avon, MA

August 29, 8 AM – 4 PM
Nashua River Rail Trail
7 Main Street
Ayer, MA

If you are interested in walking in any of these training walks, or if you are a Crew member and would like to help out, please contact the MS Challenge Walk Team to sign up.

Check out a list of other suggested walking trails on our Web page!

Team Contest!

The MS Challenge Walk Team that recruits the most NEW WALKERS on their team will receive special benefits the weekend of the walk. Benefits will include recognition at the Challenge Walk start and reserved tables at the evening programs.

This year's MS Challenge Walk is only two days due to the holiday, what a great way to get new walkers involved in the Challenge! Ask friends and family who in the past could not make the three-day event due to work or school conflicts.

Also, please use the videos from the 2009 Challenge Walk on YouTube in your recruitment efforts! Check out the videos here!

We will keep you all updated on the recruitment efforts of the top teams in future emails. Good luck!

Every Crew is a Super Crew

We are encouraging all crew members at the Challenge Walk to become a member of the Super Crew. A member of the Super Crew is someone who raises at least $200 for the MS Challenge Walk. Last year, crew members raised over $50,000 for the MS Challenge Walk. Members of the Super Crew will receive a Super Crew cap and 2010 pin to commemorate their success. As of right now, we only have a handful of Super Crew and would like to add more, so please send in your donations!

Challenge Blog Forum

Ever post a question to Facebook and forget to look at it a week later to see if anyone answered? Or maybe it got buried among many other updates and no one saw it. We now have a dedicated place for walkers to talk to each other, sharing stories, advice, questions, and laughs.

The Challenge Blog message board lets anyone post their thoughts. Whether it's fundraising, team-building, training, or gear, you can write about whatever topics YOU want to talk about. You can read quietly or jump in with your own messages. You'll receive automatic updates anytime anyone contributes to your conversation, so you'll never miss a thing.

No need to register or sign up for another service — you can log in using your existing Facebook, MySpace, Yahoo!, Twitter, AOL, or Flickr account.

Visit our new message board today and introduce yourself!

Thanks again for your participation in the MS Challenge Walk. If you and/or your team would like to get together to discuss training, fundraising, logistics of the Challenge Walk, please reach out to Todd Krohne and Kara Kelley, the MS Challenge Walk Team, at mschallenge@mam.nmss.org. We are happy to assist in any way we can.

Thank you for reading our monthly update! Is once a month not often enough? You can get Challenge Walk emails every week with fundraising ideas, training opportunities, inspiring stories, and more. Sign up at the Challenge Blog.

Kara is the former Development Coordinator for the Greater New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Dear Challenge Walkers and Crew,

The Walk Will Challenge You,
The Experience Will Change You.

Can you believe we are only five months out until the MS Challenge Walk? If you haven't started already, now is the time to begin training and fundraising. The MS Challenge Walk Team is here with you every step of the way.

Great News!

The 2010 Challenge Walk approximately 100 walkers ahead of 2009 at this time! Please continue to keep recruiting new walkers and donors by using our MS Challenge Walk videos on YouTube.

Training Walks

Training season is finally upon us! The Greater New England Chapter is offering some great opportunities for you to start your walking this Spring!

One-day Walks:

For MS Challenge Walkers, there are no registration fees or fundraising minimums to participate in a Greater New England Chapter Walk MS event. Routes range from 3 to 8 miles (Both MA and NH Journey of Hope Walks are 8 miles) and there are many locations to choose from! Check out the schedule of walks.

If you are interested in walking in any of the one-day walks, please contact the MS Challenge Walk Team to sign up.

We are looking for more training walks! If you or your team would like to organize a training walk for the MS Challenge Walk, please contact the MS Challenge Walk Team.

Walk Facebook Page

The MS Challenge Walk has a new home on Facebook! Become a fan of our page to stay in the loop of news, events, and advice about the Challenge Walk. Meet your fellow walkers and check out our videos, photos, and Twitter stream all from Facebook.

MS Challenge Walk Blog

The MS Challenge Blog is gearing up for another season of training tips and inspirational stories. From team building to gear recommendations to a fundraising event calendar, the blog has everything you need to succeed. Would you like to share your experience with other walkers? Consider being a blogger and earning some bonus bucks for you and your team! Please email us if interested.

Challenge Walk Friday Night Festivities!

Although this year's Challenge Walk will take place on two days rather than three, we will be opening the Cape Cod Sea Camps on Friday evening to kick off the event! Participants will be able to "check-in" and get their credentials, stay over in their cabins that night, and mingle with other walkers and crew in our Big Top Tent! The theme of Friday night's festivities is "The 50's" so feel free to come dressed for the event!

For those of you who have walked in the past, we will be beginning the walk on Saturday morning from the Cape Cod Sea Camps and walking the usual Saturday and Sunday routes. The Sunday Finish will still include the BBQ at the Wixon School and the parade down Main St. in Hyannis. As the event nears, we will provide you with more information but in the meantime, if you should have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the MS Challenge Walk Team.

Team Shirts for the MS Challenge Walk

Are you considering making Team Shirts for the MS Challenge Walk? Check out the Greater New England Chapter's Spreadshirt page. We have partnered with Spreadshirt.com to create an easy-to-use application to design and order shirts. You can order as many or as few t-shirts as you want or need. They can even create and ship your order in less than 48 hours. The best part about it is that Spreadshirt.com will donate 20% of each order back to the National MS Society.

You can design team hats, t-shirts, jackets, and more! Choose from any style, color, cut, etc. Use the pre-selected images or upload your own. Once you have designed a t-shirt you can order for the whole team or customize yours individually (to let each teammate customize their shirt with their names just email your final image to challenge@mam.nmss.org and they will add it to the Image Gallery).

Thank You

Thank you for your participation in the MS Challenge Walk. If you and/or your team would like to get together to discuss training, fundraising, logistics of the Challenge Walk, please reach out to Todd Krohne and Kara Kelley, the MS Challenge Walk Team, at mschallenge@mam.nmss.org. We are happy to assist in any way we can.

Kara is the former Development Coordinator for the Greater New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Dear Challenge Walkers & Crew,

Thank you so much for accepting the Challenge. By accepting the challenge, you have not only embarked on an experience that will truly change your life, but you are helping to create a world free of MS. When it's all over, you will look back and be astonished by how many miles you walked, how many friends you made, and how much of an impact you have had on the lives of people living with MS. It will be the most rewarding journey you'll ever make.

Chapter News

As of March 1, 2010, four New England states — Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont — have joined together to form a single 'Greater New England Chapter' of the National MS Society, serving 19,000 individuals and their families who are affected by multiple sclerosis. We are excited and energized by this new development and hope to spread the word about the MS Challenge Walk throughout all four states!

Challenge Walk Friday Night Festivities!

Although this year's Challenge Walk will take place on two days rather than three, we will be opening the Cape Cod Sea Camps on Friday evening to kick off the event! Participants will be able to "check-in" and get their credentials, stay over in their cabins that night, and mingle with other walkers and crew in our Big Top Tent!

For those of you who have walked in the past, we will be beginning the walk on Saturday morning from the Cape Cod Sea Camps and walking the usual Saturday and Sunday routes. The Sunday Finish will still include the BBQ at the Wixon School and the parade down Main St. in Hyannis. As the event nears, we will provide you with more information but in the meantime, if you should have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the MS Challenge Walk Team.

Training Walks

Training season is finally upon us! The Greater New England Chapter is offering some great opportunities for Walkers to start your training this Spring!

One-day Walks:
The National MS Society, Greater New England Chapter's one-day walks will be held in April and May. For MS Challenge Walkers, there are no registration fees or fundraising minimums to participate. Routes range from three to eight miles (both MA and NH's Journey of Hope walks are eight miles), and there are many locations to choose from. Check out the schedule of walks.

If you are interested in walking in any of the one-day walks, please contact the MS Challenge Walk Team to sign up.

We are looking for more training walks! If you or your team would like to organize a training walk for the MS Challenge Walk, please contact the MS Challenge Walk Team.

Social Networking

The Central New England Chapter's MS Challenge Walk has many different outlets for participants to connect over the web. Join our Facebook Group, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to our blog!

Check out the Greater New England Chapter's YouTube channel! In September 2009, Brenda Neary and her video crew were at the MS Challenge Walk and shot some wonderful footage of the event, from which we have created several videos. Feel free to use this footage in your fundraising efforts!

Team Shirts for the MS Challenge Walk

Are you considering making Team Shirts for the MS Challenge Walk? Check out the Greater New England Chapter's Spreadshirt Page. We have partnered with Spreadshirt.com to create an easy-to-use application to design and order shirts. You can order as many or as few t-shirts as you want or need. They can even create and ship your order in less than 48 hours. The best part about it is that Spreadshirt.com will donate 20% of each order back to the National MS Society.

You can design team hats, t-shirts, jackets, and more! Choose from any style, color, cut, etc. Use the pre-selected images or upload your own. Once you have designed a t-shirt you can order for the whole team or customize yours individually (to let each teammate customize their shirt with their names just email your final image to challenge@mam.nmss.org and they will add it to the Image Gallery).

Thanks again for your participation in the MS Challenge Walk. If you and/or your team would like to get together to discuss training, fundraising, logistics of the Challenge Walk, please reach out to Todd Krohne and Kara Kelley, the MS Challenge Walk Team, at mschallenge@mam.nmss.org. We are happy to assist in any way we can.

The MS Challenge Walk Team

Kara is the former Development Coordinator for the Greater New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Dear Challenge Walkers and Crew,

Happy New Year! Thank you for accepting the challenge and registering to walk in the 2010 MS Challenge Walk. We are already working hard to plan this special event and are excited about your participation in it. It will be the 9th year (can you believe it!) of the MS Challenge Walk and the event is the highlight of the year for so many walkers and crew who are committed to creating a world free of MS.

As you all know, this year's MS Challenge Walk will be two days and 50K. The MS Challenge Walk Team is finalizing details of what the event and more information will be shared with you in the upcoming weeks. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact the MS Challenge Walk Team with any questions or concerns.

Walker & Crew Welcome Packets

We are putting the finishing touches on the welcome packets that are sent to all registered walkers and crew. This packet includes your walker number (crew will not get a number), training t-shirt, Training and Fundraising Guide, and other important information to aid in your preparation for the MS Challenge Walk. It is our expectation that the packets will be mailed in the next few weeks, so keep an eye out for them. We highly encourage all Crew to try and raise at least $200 and become a "Super Crew."

Fundraise with Facebook!

"Boundless Fundraising" is a Facebook application that enables MS Challenge Walk participants to extend their fundraising efforts beyond their Participant Center and Personal Page. See our blog post for more details!

Challenge Walk Social Networking

Challenge Blog

This blog will give you a look at the training, fundraising, and inspiration that are a part of the experience. We hope to give you ideas, answer your questions, and invite you to share your thoughts and stories. You can leave public responses to these posts and to each other — no signup or registration needed! If you're organizing a Challenge Walk-related fundraising or training event, you can submit it to our event calendar.

Facebook

Are you a member of Facebook? If so, join the Cape Cod Challenge Walk's group on Facebook. Stay in touch with your friends from the walk and meet new people dedicated to the cause. You can post pictures of past events, discuss fundraising ideas, and receive invitations to upcoming events. (Also become a fan of the Central New England Chapter!)

Twitter

Twitter is a free service that lets you keep in touch with people through the exchange of quick, frequent updates. Join today to start receiving the MS Challenge Walk's updates.

Team Rallies

You are invited to join us for a night of fun and hanging out with other team captains and team members. The Central New England Chapter is hosting a series of Team Rallies designed totally with you in mind. What a great way to shake off the winter doldrums, have a little fun, and pick up some new fundraising ideas that are successful for other teams.

Worcester Team Rally
February 18th from 6-8pm
Jillian's
315 Grove St
Worcester MA, 01605

Boston Team Rally
February 24th from 6-8pm
Lucky Strike Lanes
145 Ipswich Street
Boston, MA 02215

Southeast Team Rally
February 24th from 6-8 pm
Bertucci's
1285 Belmont Street
Brockton, MA 02301

If you would like to RSVP you and your team, please email Todd Krohne or call 781-693-5119.

Team T-Shirts

Here is your chance to order t-shirts for your team! We have partnered with Spreadshirt.com to create an easy-to-use application to design and order shirts. You can order as many or few t-shirts as you want or need. They can even create and ship your order in less than 48 hours. The best part about it is that Spreadshirt.com will donate 20% of each order back to the National MS Society. Learn more in our blog post!

Thank you again for your commitment to the MS Challenge Walk. If you should need any help with fundraising or training, please do not hesitate to contact the MS Challenge Walk Team. We are with you every step of the way!

The MS Challenge Walk Team

Kara is the former Development Coordinator for the Greater New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The MS Challenge Walk extends beyond the challenges of training, fundraising and physical stress.  The MS Challenge Walk is about moving beyond our limits to create a world free of MS. This weekend, we will work together as a team and make a meaningful impact on people living with multiple sclerosis.

We look forward to seeing you all at the Hyannis Village Green Friday morning  at 7:00 AM to begin our journey.  Directions to the Hyannis Village Green are located in our Travel and Information Guide.  You can download this document through the Participant Center.

Please remember to contact the MS Challenge Walk Team with any questions or concerns you may have as the walk quickly approaches.

Packing Reminders

The Travel and Information Guide has information on what you should pack for the weekend.

• Remember to bring your own water bottle, as this is a cupless event.
• Do not forget your picture ID and cell phone when out on the route. We ask you to carry these at all times just in case of an emergency.
• If staying at the Cape Cod Sea Camps, it is advised you bring your own towel, as the towels provided are very small.
• Please bring a variety of clothes with you as the weather can be unpredictable on Cape Cod at this time of year.  We suggest bringing a sweater/sweatshirt and a raincoat just in case of inclement weather.
• Are you a past walker or crew? If so, we are asking that you please try and recycle your name badge holder from a previous year and use it again this year.  Every dollar we can save by not handing out new holders, we can put towards the mission.

Please put the luggage tag you have received on your luggage and write your name and walker number on it.  You will drop off your luggage at the Kalmus Beach parking lot and it will be waiting for you after your walk at the Cape Cod Sea Camps.  Depending on the color of your luggage tag, your luggage will be placed in a certain zone depending on your cabin assignment.  If you have made housing arrangements off-site, your luggage will be waiting for you by the check-in tent at the Cape Cod Sea Camps.

Walker and Crew Early Check-In Reception

Early check-in will be provided for those walkers and crew arriving Thursday, September 10th at the Cape Codder Resort and Spa from 6:00 pm till 9:00 pm.  Directions to the Cape Codder are included in your Travel and Information Guide.  At early check-in you will be able to pick up your walker/crew credentials and sign the appropriate wavier forms, drop off your change of clothes bag, and meet other walkers and crew.

For those unable to make the early check-in, you will be able to check in at the Hyannis Village Green Friday morning at 7:00 am.

Alcohol Policy

There will be beer and wine served at the Sea Camps on Friday and Saturday from 2:00 pm till 7:30 pm.  You MUST show proof of age to be served alcohol at the event, so please carry ID at all times.

Team Contest Winners!

There was a tie in the team contest! Congratulations to Bonnie's Believers and Walk With Wendy for recruiting the most new team members this year!  Both teams will get special recognition at the walk and reserved seating for the evening programs.

Last-Minute Fundraising Notes

We are striving to reach our goal this year for the MS Challenge Walk. Donations are coming in online and through the mail everyday and will continue to do so after the walk.  But we need your continued efforts to ensure we hit this mark.

Are there friends and family members who have promised to donate but have yet to do so?  We encourage you to send them an email or letter reminding them of their pledge.  We need all Challenge Walkers to reach their fundraising goals so that together we can all continue to create a world free of MS.  If you are having troubles reaching your goal, please do not hesitate to contact the MS Challenge Walk Team and we can work together to find the best fundraising methods for you.

Thanks to you all for your dedication to a mission we all hold dear to our hearts.  See you tomorrow!

The MS Challenge Walk Team

Kara is the former Development Coordinator for the Greater New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.