Proceeds fund research, programs, and services for those impacted by the disease

For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD — An annual fundraiser in the fight against multiple sclerosis (MS), Marshfield’s Walk MS event will be held on Saturday, April 30, at UW-Marshfield/Wood County. Contestants can walk either one mile or participate in a 5K.

Registration for the event begins at 9 a.m. with the walk kicking off at 10 a.m. Participants can also register online at walkms.org. Donations can be made online at walkms.org or in person at the event. Included in the festivities will be a raffle and free breakfast. Raffle tickets cost $1 for one ticket, $5 for six tickets, $10 for 15 tickets, or an arm span for $20. Winners will be drawn at the conclusion of the walk.

Attendees should park in the back parking lot at UW-Marshfield/Wood County and enter the building through the gymnasium doors.

There is no cost to register for the event, though donations are appreciated. Last year’s event had 421 participants and raised over $30,000. Peggy Machtan, a member of the event’s organizing committee, said this year she hopes for 500 walkers and to beat last year’s fundraising total.

“Walk MS is a way to bring the community together to support our disease and what we deal with on a daily basis,” said Walk MS committee member Crystal Litwaitis, who also has the disease. Litwaitis added, “We don’t know how strong we are until being strong is the only choice we have.”

“Walk MS is the main way we are able to spread the word about MS. It is our main/major fundraiser each year to help find a cure for MS,” said Machtan.

For more information about the event, email Peggy Machtan at 4mach10@gmail.com or call her at 715-305-1831.