The MS Challenge Walk is a walk-a-thon to raise money for multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. Multiple Challenge Walks are held throughout the year across the United States. Each walk is two to three days, from 30 to 50 miles, depending on the location.
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The two- or three-day event is 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 http://www.challengewalk.org the event website. During the Challenge, they are provided with meals, rest stops with snacks and liquids, showers, port-a-potties, tents, cabins or hotels 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.
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.
More than $31 million has been raised for research for MS since 2002 when the Challenge Walk began. Donations are made to a walker by searching for the walker or team on the event's web site.
Each walker raises a minimum amount ($1,500 to $2,500 depending on Challenge Walk location), which goes to the National MS Society for research to find a cure for multiple sclerosis. Crew members are given no fundraising minimum; those crew members who nonetheless raise at least the minimum requirement are dubbed "Super Crew".