Dear Challenge Walkers,

Can you believe it? Memorial Day Weekend is upon us! And really, I am so happy it is. I know we have all had a tough winter, so let's celebrate this great weather by getting out and about by walking in this nice weather!

Make sure your check out the training schedule in our guide if you have not done so yet. Share your training experience with your friends and family too! They may join you on a walk, donate to your hard work and efforts, or even sign up for Challenge Walk MS with you!

How is your training going? Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. I would love to hear your story on why you walk.

Fundraising Guide – check it out! There may be some more tips in here that you haven't tried yet. There are also some other great suggestions on our website here.

Have you heard the news? We have a new BONUS BUCKS incentive for new 2014 Challenge Walkers! This is a special offer from our Challenge Walk MS Steering Committee to help with this year's recruitment. All new walkers that sign up during the month of May receive an extra $500 in Bonus Bucks towards their fundraising goal of $1,500. Encourage your friends and family who are on the fence about registering by giving them this incentive. Use "ETC50" as a registration code to take $50 off their registration fee and to enroll in this special offer.

Congratulations to our top teams (so far):

1. The Lombardi Party – $13,240
2. Cocktails for a Cure – $13,050
3. The Believers – $5,519
4. Sock on Fi-yah – $5,410
5. Tommy's Team – $4,500

Kudos to our Top Individual Fundraisers:

1. Tom Olafsson – $4,500
2. Kevin Lombardi – $4,155
3. James Derick – $4,000
4. Amy Scannell – $3,385
5. Ann Scannell – $3,310

Need advice or want to talk about your fundraising? Let me know! I would be happy to help and we have a great team of mentors on the Steering Committee who are all experts in different areas of raising money.

Enjoy the long weekend and let's get out walking!

Aileen is the Director of Development for the Greater New England Chapter of the National MS Society responsible for the 2013 Challenge Walk. She has interned with the National MS Society at the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter with Program Events and is looking forward to working closely with the Steering Committee and Challenge Walk Teams to make this year's MS Challenge Walk a memorable one!

Hi, Challengers!

The MS Challenge Walk is only 7 days away!

Try to think back on all the hours of training you've completed and all your efforts in fundraising to fight MS. The MS Challenge Walk weekend is the culmination of a tremendous amount of work and a celebration of all that we have accomplished together.

As event weekend quickly approaches, we are putting the finishing touches on all details. Please let the MS Challenge Walk Team know if you need any last-minute fundraising help or have any lingering questions about the weekend. We look forward to seeing you all very soon.

Thursday Night Early Check-In Party

For those of you arriving to the Cape early, please join us on Thursday night at the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis for an early check-in party.  Pick up your walker/crew credentials and sign the appropriate waiver forms, and meet other walkers and crew!  Enjoy delicious catering and celebrate the start of a great weekend. The festivities begin are from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. We hope to see you there.

For arrival information and instructions, please see the Travel & Information Guide.

Please note – housing at the Sea Camps is for Friday & Saturday night only. If you're attending the Thursday night early check-in party, you must make your own accommodation arrangements.

Reminder – Travel Guide

Our Travel and Information Guide has all of the who/what/where's of the 2012 MS Challenge Walk.  Use this guide to find directions to the Kalmus Beach Parking Area in Hyannis (where all walkers and crew park their cars for the weekend).  The guide also has useful information on packing and the weekend schedule. To download this document, click here.  If you are having trouble downloading this document, feel free to contact the MS Challenge Walk Team.

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 every day 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 and 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.

From Crew Member to 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 2012 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!

Congratulations

Kudos to our current top five fundraisers and top five teams listed below.

Top Five Individual Fundraisers

1. Tom Olafsson                  $12,266
2. Sue Carrai                       $12,055
3. Nicholas D'Alleva              $10,150
4. Kevin Lombardi                   $9,055
5. James Derick                     $8,130

Top Five Fundraising Teams

1. The Lombardi Party        $43,227
2. Blister Buddies              $27,967
3. Team Brian                   $25,850
4. Chili Head Striders         $22,516
5. Team DEA and friends   $20,699

MS Challenge Talk

Have you been listening to MS Challenge Talk?

The Challenge Blog has always been letting the MS community read stories and advice from veterans of the MS Challenge Walk. Now, you’re able to hear from these pros directly, in a series of audio interviews. Called MS Challenge Talk, these recordings profile walkers who have accepted the challenge to walk 3 days and 50 miles. Each week, you'll hear from a different walker or volunteer about their connection to the cause, the training and fundraising tricks they've learned, and the memories they've made along the way.

Thank you to all the walkers and crew who have been interviewed as a part of our MS Challenge Talk series.

The episode that seems to have generated the most response so far was with “The General”. With his military garb and drill sergeant-like demeanor, The General (or sometimes "Sarge") has been rallying the troops of MS Challenge Walk for more than a decade. In this interview, John commends walkers for not resting on the sidelines and instead doing something to find a cure for his bride's MS, and reflects on the heroes who have inspired him along the trail and the unique challenges that caretakers experience

The MS Challenge Walk staff is looking forward to seeing everyone soon!

All the best,

Danielle Kempe, Manager, MS Challenge Walk Cape Cod

P.S. Remember to "like" us on Facebook to join the conversation about the upcoming MS Challenge Walk!

Danielle was a Development Manager for the Greater New England Chapter of the National MS Society, managing MS Challenge Walk 2011 and 2012. Prior to joining the staff of the National MS Society, Danielle served as a crew team captain during the 2009 and 2010 MS Challenge Walks.

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!

National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Greater New England Chapter
101A First Avenue, Suite 6
Waltham, MA 02451
800-344-4867

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!

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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.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Greater New England Chapter
101A First Avenue, Suite 6
Waltham, MA 02451
800-344-4867

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.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Greater New England Chapter
101A First Avenue, Suite 6
Waltham MA 02451
800-344-4867

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