A Philanthropic Commitment

The MS Challenge Walk is all about thinking big: bigger and better than anything you've ever done before. It will fundamentally change you because of your commitment to raise at least $1,500. 

Your $1,500 pledge minimum must be turned in by Friday, June 6. Check-in for the event is on Thursday, June 19. 

We actually hope you'll go for more like $7,500 -- that qualifies you for our prestigious Tour of Champions, where you'll meet people from across the nation who are champions in the fight against multiple sclerosis. But can you meet a greater challenge? Imagine raising $10,000-- one dollar for every person with MS in Northern California. That would put you in our elite Mission Possible Club.  We are also offering two grand prizes for the top two fundraisers - a seven-night stay in exotic Manzanillo, Mexico! As you pound the pavement, think of ocean breezes, murmuring surf, and a tasty margarita in your hand. Best of all, this amazing prize has been generously donated - not a dime of your hard-earned pledges will pay for this prize.

Three days, 50 miles: your commitment will bring us closer to a cure. Your commitment is to raise funds and awareness of a disease that affects thousands of families in our area. Your commitment is to end this devastating disease through research.

Successful fundraising is intentional, planned and intelligently executed. You will learn to be a successful fundraiser by getting started right away, setting a goal, developing a plan, following through and never giving up. We will provide you with tools to help you succeed. This includes a comprehensive Challenge Guide, pledge sheets, your own personal Challenge Mentor, website updates, fundraising house parties, e-cheers, and much more.

So register now... or Explore the Challenge.

The Physical Journey 

You will be walking from sunny East Bay to the cool shores of San Francisco. On sidewalks and paths, along the shoulder and along the shore... The terrain will be varied, but we will support you every step of the way!

The MS Challenge Walk offers many challenges. For some walkers, the greatest challenge will be training. Our Challenge Guide is designed to give you the resources and information you need to create a successful training regimen. Reading and implementing it will prepare you for the rigors of the MS Challenge Walk. 

We will be organizing training walks in our area. Although these are optional, they are a great opportunity to meet other participants and get in valuable training time. 

At the event, every three to four miles we'll have a fully stocked rest stop with fruit, water, fluid-replacement drinks, and snacks to keep you fueled for the journey. Volunteers will be there to power you on to the next rest stop. We'll also offer smaller refreshment stops every 1.5 miles, making it even easier for you to reach the next full rest stop. Plus, support vehicles will patrol the route. If you're finished for the day, they can give you a lift to the next stop or to our overnight location.

The first step is assessing your physical condition -- including input from your physician. This is a big commitment and you don't want to leave out that critical step. You will walk steadily, step by step, every inch of our 50-mile journey. 

Yes, it's ambitious. Yes, it will be rewarding. 

The more you train, the more you'll be able to enjoy the event, talk with new friends, and take in the beautiful scenery... without hobbling on blisters and sore feet!

So register now... or Explore the Challenge.

Volunteers & Crew Needed

Hundreds of volunteers and crew members are needed to make this event a success! If you'd like to join the fun without walking, simply complete our volunteer registration form. Every volunteer receives meals at the event and a free MS Challenge Walk T-shirt. For more information contact us at 1-800-FIGHT MS, (510) 268-0572, or volunteer@msconnection.org.

 Go for it! 

In the days ahead, you may wonder where you'll find the time and energy to get to the starting line -- let alone the finish. People with MS feel that way every day, yet they manage to do extraordinary things. So can you.

The National MS Society is here to go the distance for people with MS and their loved ones. Will you go the distance with us? We'll make a powerful team, and together we will cross that finish line.

Accept the Challenge today. The first step is just a click away: complete the registration form and you'll receive an MS Challenge Walk T-shirt and the Challenge Packet in the mail. 

If you're unsure please join them at a free Explore the Challenge meeting. Or contact them at 1-800-FIGHT MS, (510) 268-0572, or challenge@msconnection.org. They'll be happy to answer all of your questions.

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