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Bundled-up walkers raise money for MS research

Posted May 01, 2016 1:00 am

By Gilbert R. Boucher II

Johanna Duckmann, 16, of Des Plaines, left, and Isabella Markworth, 15, of Mount Prospect try to stay warm as they walk with the crowd during the Walk MS Northwest Suburbs on Sunday starting at Cabela's in Hoffman Estates. More than 1,000 people bundled up to walk in the misty morning to help raise money for multiple sclerosis research. Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com

More than 1,000 people bundled up Sunday morning for a cold, misty walk outside Cabela's in Hoffman Estates to raise money and awareness for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The Walk MS Northwest Suburbs was one of 11 such walks held throughout the state Sunday, continuing a tradition that began in 1998.

"People are coming together to support people living with MS and their families," said Nicole Sammartino, manager of client services with the National MS Society of Greater Illinois Chapter. "I don't really think there is anything that could crush the spirit of people living with MS or the MS Society and us helping them, despite bad weather conditions."

Last year, 12,200 people across the state participated in the walk, raising more than $2.7 million for MS research, services and programs that help about 20,000 diagnosed individuals in Illinois.

"I think this is great and it is the least that we could do for everybody else living with MS," said Nick Cucci of Elk Grove Village, who started a team called Forza - which is Italian for strength - in support of his father, Pat. "My dad was diagnosed with progressive MS. He is wheelchair-bound right now, but he looks forward to this every year."

Alex Galvan, 11, of Arlington Heights takes a selfie before walking with the Karen's Krew team during the Walk MS Northwest Suburbs on Sunday starting at Cabela's in Hoffman Estates. More than 1,000 people bundled up to walk in the misty morning to help raise money for multiple sclerosis research. Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com

Brandy Snyder of Rockford walks with her dogs, Jag, left, and Calli, during the Walk MS Northwest Suburbs on Sunday starting at Cabela's in Hoffman Estates. More than 1,000 people bundled up to walk in the misty morning to help raise money for multiple sclerosis research. Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com

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