Bouncy castles, circus performers, and tents and booths filled with things to do. Nearly 500 people are laughing, eating, making videos, and dancing to music spun by radio DJs. The MS Walk not only raises money for multiple sclerosis research, but it is also an opportunity to grow closer to friends and family and meet new people.

“It was a huge crowd of people all ready to go,” sophomore Jennifer Kealey said. “It was a very fun atmosphere and everyone was just excited to be there.”

The walk takes place on April 21 at 10 am at Black and Veatch. Participants will walk 3 to 6 miles in support of patients with MS.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disorder that basically causes the body to attack its own cells in the central nervous system. The MS Walk helps to support research for finding a cure.

“The idea of a walk is to raise money for the cause, but even more to raise awareness,” sophomore Nick Edwards said. “If more people know about it, then more can be done.”

The Edwards family formed a team to participate in the event last year, and they are joining again this year. Their team grew from 15 people to over 40.

“MS isn’t as well known as some other chronic illnesses, but it affects people just as much,” sophomore Megan Edwards said. “After the event, I feel like I am really doing something that will not only benefit me and my mom, but also all the other people and families that are affected by this disease.”

Students can still sign up by visiting the Johnson County Walk MS 2012 website and either registering as an individual or joining the Edwards’ team, “Walk This Way.” Senior Ben Edwards encourages people to become a part of this event.

“[People can] make some significant changes to how they’re living their lives and loving their friends,” Ben Edwards said. “It gives people one of those moments when they can reflect on what’s really important in life.”

Current Walk This Way Members:

• AdamPelfrey
• Addie Dickens
• Alli Good Allison Porterfield
• Andy Lindsey
• Anna Hickok
• Ben Daniels
• Ben Edwards
• Bobby Goheen
• Britli Fuller
• Chandler Riley
• ChristinaKealey
• Colleen Weynand
• Connor Davis
• Emily Eldridge
• Erica Good
• Jack Ayres
• JakeLouis
• Jenae Hicklin
• Jennifer Kealey
• Kate McCrossen
• Kevin Edwards
• KristaBlackwood
• Lauren Gessner
• Lauren Kenyon
• Liz Johnson
• Lori Edwards
• MackieLouis
• Maddie Johnson
• Madeline Briscoe
• Maren Ozier
• Meg Huwe
• Megan Edwards
• MeganLowcock
• Miranda Schumacher
• Nick Edwards
• Riley Clark
• Sam Johnson
• SarahMurphy
• Stephanie Hughes
• Stephanie Kealey
• Sydney Haas
• Zach Case