MS Challenge Walk
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Challenge Walk' is a walk-a-thon to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis, a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. The walk is held in nine different locations across the United States. The walk is two to three days, from 30 to 50 miles, depending on the location.
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[edit] About
The 2 or 3-Day event is hosted by Biogen Idec Foundation and supported by crew and volunteers. Once a walker is registered online, he/she can gain training assistance, fundraising advice, and a personal fundraising webpage through the National MS Society’s homepage. During the Challenge, they are provided with three meals a day, rest stops with snacks and liquids, showers, port-a-potties, tents or cabins to sleep in, safety guidelines, massages, and 24-hour medical support.
Walkers must be at least 16 years old or be accompanied by an adult. Crew members must be at least 18 years old, and volunteers must be at least 10 years old.
[edit] Locations
- Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- Palm Key, South Carolina
- Chesapeake Bay Annapolis to Baltimore
- Kansas City
- Washington D.C.
- Philadelphia Brandywine Valley Area
- Southern California
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Twin Cities, Minnesota
[edit] Volunteers
Volunteers help with the following:
Truck drivers: Load and unload supply trucks. Drive trucks throughout designated points along the route to provide supplies. Valid driver’s license and current vehicle insurance are required as well as the ability to lift 50 pounds and familiarity with and ability to drive a 26 foot straight truck.
Support and Gear Driver: Patrol assigned route and provide transportation and assistance to participants. Valid driver’s license and current vehicle insurance are required as well as first aid certification.
Rest stops: Unload supplies from trucks, set up rest stop and serve food and drinks to walkers as needed. Cheer for the walkers throughout the Challenge. Some lifting is necessary, as well as the ability to remain outside for four or more hours.
Photographer: Take photos along the route. Photographers must shoot digital.
Motorcycle escorts: Patrol the route and ensure safety of and for participants. Valid driver’s license and current vehicle insurance are required as well as first aid certification.
First aid: Provide minor medical assistance and evaluation of minor injuries. Recognize major injuries and facilitate arrival of advanced medical attention. Volunteers must provide proof of certification and/or specialized degree.
Route marking: Mark route with directional signage. Valid driver’s license and current vehicle insurance are required as well as the ability to lift 30 pounds.
Intersection safety: Assist walkers safely through intersections.
Massage therapist: Provide massages to participants.
Registration: Assist in setting up registration area and checks in participants. Some lifting may be necessary. Volunteers must have the ability to remain outside for four or more hours.
Pit Stops: Assist in setting up pit stop area, hand out water and cheer on participants. Some lifting is necessary.Finish line cheering Cheer for participants at the finish line. Volunteers may be asked to help set-up or tear down finish line.
Set-up/tear down: Help set-up or tear down the finish line. Some lifting may be necessary.
Food services: Help serve breakfast or lunch to participants and volunteers. Volunteers must be able to lift 30 pounds.
[edit] Donations
More than $31 million have been raised for research for MS since 2002 when the MS Challenge Walk began. Donations are made to a walker by searching for the walker or team on the National MS Society's web site. Donations can also be made directly to the society.
Each participant raises a minimum of $1,500, which goes to the National MS Society for research to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.
