Friends, co-workers of Gail Erickson participate in Walk MS as a team in support, help make a difference
“The Force” was with them – literally.
On Saturday, May 2, a team of 50+ walkers (including a trio of 5-miles runners) – either doing the walk or taking a “virtual” stroll – or some, going on a jog (clad in purple, as that is Gail’s favorite color) conquered the course of Walk MS: Christopher & Banks Mankato Walk 2015 in Mankato.
That group included “The Force” herself – long-time Mountain Lake Public Elementary School (MLES) secretary Gail Erickson of Mountain Lake. This past winter, Gail was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) – and her “squad” rallied around her – including participating in this MS fundraiser – wearing bright purple (Gail’s favorite color) T-shirts emblazoned with the team name – Gail-Force. The team has collected – to date – a total of $1,582 in donations, surpassing their $1,000 goal.
Walk MS is an event that helps the National MS Society fund research, advocate for change, and help people with MS live their best lives. The Mankato event was held at the Myers Field House on the campus of Minnesota State University-Mankato. Walkers could either walk indoors around the field house or take a 3- or 5-mile outdoor route.
Gail-Force Team members – co-workers, former co-workers, family members and long-time friends and their families – discovered Saturday morning that all roads led them to Myers Field House, and the opportunity to demonstrate to Gail the meaning she has given to their lives.
Team members included co-captains Kris Friesen and Donna Peterson, along with Emily Anderson, Matthew Anderson, Jaime Banks, Amy Beer, Jane Birkholz, Kim Blomgren, Kyle Blomgren, Shelly Condon, Crystal Fast, Brenda Feil, Carol Flaming, Becky Gawtry, Evie Gawtry, Nora Gawtry, Andrew Gregg, LeAnn Gregg, Matthew Gregg, Ronald Gregg, Jean Haberman, Amy Hartzler, Calley Hoek, Denise Hoek, Amberly Hulzebos, Nicole James, Sherri Janzen, Christine Johnson, David Johnson, LaVonne Jungas, Kimberly Jungas-Samson, Grace Kratovil, Kris Langland, Haley Lundsten, Patty Miller, Alyssa Nesmoe, Linda Nesmoe, Cindy Palm Evers, Krystina Peterson, Kristin Pfeiffer, Sharon Phelps, Rachel Potter, Paige Roiger, Bruce Schuler, Cindy Schuler, Cassidy Smith, Darcy Snyder, Stacey Stade, Bill Strom, Jessica Svehla, Justin Thomspon, Kelli Tucholke and Debra Wall – along with youngsters taking the walk the scenic way – in a carrier, in strollers or on the shoulder of his father.
About MS
Millions of people are affected by MS, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system – and the challenges it presents. Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and it stops people from moving.
Every hour in the United States, someone is newly diagnosed with MS, a disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling – to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are making a difference.
Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 2.3 million worldwide.
About the National MS Society
The Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. To fulfill this mission, the Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education, collaborates with MS organizations around the world, and provides programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward.
Last year alone, the Society invested nearly $50 million to support more than 380 new and ongoing research projects around the world while providing program services to over one million people.
About Walk MS
The first Walk MS took place in 1988, where people who wanted to join the movement walked from downtown Minneapolis to the state capitol in St. Paul. They raised $216,000 toward research and service programs for people with MS.
And they began something that grew exponentially through the new millennium and beyond.
Today, Walk MS events raise $50 million a year to help people with MS move forward with their lives and end MS forever, with more than 330,000 people participating in events held in every single state.
As efficient, effective stewards of our donors’ contributions, we make sure that more than 79 cents out of every dollar we raise goes directly to improve the lives of people living with MS through programs, services and research.
Every step matters. Every dollar counts. Every person makes a difference.
Below is a photo gallery from the event:
