June 10, 1998
Walkers commit to the cause
By Garret Leiva
Herald staff writer
Multiple sclerosis. It is a disease that attacks on the most personal level. Mothers, nephews, spouses and best friends. Family and loved ones diagnosed with a disease that without warning strikes at the body's nervous system and the human spirit.
It was for these personal reasons that many chose to participate in Saturday's second annual MS Walk at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center. Some walked the 5K or 10K course in honor of family member's suffering from MS. Others participated to show how this disease could not stop them from living their lives.
This year's MS Walk, sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, featured 15 teams and more than 200 registered walkers said Traverse City MS Walk chairperson Barb Yenglin. While the annual event serves as a fund-raiser for area programs and services it is also about raising public awareness.
"All along the route we have signs with fact sheets to let people know more about MS. Plus, seeing all the walkers out there brings needed attention to this cause," said Yenglin, a Charlevoix resident who became involved with the MS Walk five years ago in Grand Rapids.
Another individual who has seen first-hand the importance of fund-raising events such as the Traverse City MS Walk is Pat McDonald.
As President of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter, McDonald said statewide the MS Walk raises $750,000. Under this non-profit group, McDonald noted, 89 cents of each donated dollar goes to research, education and service programs.
"We work as a partner with people with MS to keep that person independent, productive, viable and active in their community, " said McDonald, a former clinical social worker.
Championing the rights and abilities of those with multiple sclerosis also continues to motivate MS Walk participant Charles Rubmer of Northport. It was nearly 20 years ago that Rubmer heard seven words that touched his heart and changed the lives of those in the area struggling with this disabling disease.
"I was at a board meeting and a young woman sat alongside me and said, 'You know, I can stand in water.' And that just hit me right in the heart," recalled Rubmer, who shortly thereafter started the "aqua-walkers" program at the Civic Center pool.
As a participant in the "aqua-walkers," Debbie Dillon of Northport noted these area service programs and support groups play a vital role of reminding people they are not alone in their struggle.
"That's very important because it is very scary to get that first diagnosis that you have MS and you wonder were to go," said Dillon, a former nurse who works with a regional multiple sclerosis service council.
"It effects everybody differently but we all have a lot of the same problems and it helps to be able to talk to people and say, 'This is what I am going through and how did you handle it?," she said.
Programs funded through events like the MS Walk also provide a strong support system for family members struggling to cope with the disease on a daily basis.
"It helps the spouse as well because you're in the dark as much as anyone else," noted Dillon's husband, Dennis. "You need to know for yourself that this is not the end but in many ways just the beginning."