Saturday April 27, 2013 marked the 25th anniversary of Walk MS.
Walk MS: Greater Kansas City, set a goal of raising $250,000 with the help of those participating. As of April 29, $257,546 had been raised.
Two students strived to get the word out about not only this event, but the cause behind it.
Juniors Megan and Nick Edwards created a team of 80 people named Walk This Way and represented the fourth largest team in the greater Kansas City area.
But they represented much more.
On the back bib of each of the team members read one phrase: “I walk for Mama Edwards.” Megan and Nick’s mom, Lori Edwards, was diagnosed with MS in 2007.
While on a MS drug in 2011, it mutated and caused her to get chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Community support is key to successful charity events, and the Edwards are grateful for the support they have received.
“It’s cool that there are people our age who are willing to walk in the rain and cold weather for the cause,” Megan said.
Of the Walk This Way team, 60 of the members were from Southwest.
“It’s more than a charity walk,” Nick said. “It’s amazing how so many people can come together to support the cause. In my case, the fact that so many of our friends, family, and some teachers do it shows what a great community we have.”
Junior Jenn Kealey continued her commitment to the walk this year.
“I started going to the MS walk two years ago when the Edwards made a team for their mom,” Kealey said. “I’m really close with their whole family so I wanted to be a part of the walk team because it’s really important to them.”
Junior Zach Case is also a returning Walk This Way team member.
“I’ve seen how it has impacted her, and the family in general, and it’s simply devastating,” Case said. “So last year, when I got asked to do the walk, I was excited and agreed because this was a way we could all bond and make a difference.”
Assistant principal Lisa and her freshman daughter Tori Wilson participated for their first time Saturday.
“The best part about it is going to be seeing everyone rally for a cause,” Lisa said.
As the search for a cure persists, the need for community support will still remain.
“I’m hoping that it will continue to grow,” Case said. “The more people we have, the more money we can raise, and the closer we get to a cure for MS.”