What is MS or Multiple Sclerosis? According to a Puget Sound HMO, Group Health Cooperatives own condition search, MS is a disease that affects the central nervous systemthe brain and spinal cord. It can cause problems with muscle control and strength, vision, balance, feeling and thinking.
Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, explains: Surrounding and protecting some of the neurons is a fatty layer known as the myelin sheath (protective covering), which helps neurons carry electrical signals. MS causes gradual destruction of myelin in patches throughout the brain and spinal cord. Currently, there is no cure for MS, however, several treatments are available which may slow the appearance of new symptoms.
Several friends of mine have MS. I was encouraged to participate in Team Laughing Out Loud at the annual Snohomish MS Walk (3 miles) held Sunday, April 14, at the Tulalip Amphitheatre.
There were between 800 and 1,000 participants in the MS Walk-Snohomish this year. The Greater Washington Chapter had a goal of $1.8 million and thus far pledges and receipts total $1.1 million. Team Laughing Out Loud raised more then $4,000 of their $5,000 goal. Congratulations. Contact information is for the National MS Greater Washington Chapter Walk Event Snohomish is greaterWAinfo@nmsswas.org or 206-284-4236.
Ed Mohs
Marysville