A Shout Out to Challenge Walk MS Volunteers

In case you didn't see it, Challenge Walk MS volunteers Pat Heller and Sloth I were featured in the December and January editions of the Wisconsin Chapter's Volunteer e-newsletter.

Here's part of what Pat had to say about volunteering: 

“Six years ago, in the MS connection magazine, I read about the first Challenge Walk that was to be held in Door County. I thought this was something I could do to help raise money for research and programs for those living with MS in Wisconsin. I recruited my husband, sister, and aunt and uncle. The five of us raised $6,000 that first year and provided five rest stops that weekend. We were hooked. Over the past six years our team, the Multiple Screwballs, has grown and we have raised over $200,000.

“Our team enjoys coming together every year for the walk. It is a time for celebration and renewal in our commitment to make the world a better place for those living with MS."


And here is part of what Sloth said:

"I’ve been involved with special events for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for about 15 years now. As you probably know, the Society organizes numerous sporting events to raise money for the battle against MS: Bike MS, Walk MS and many others. Without those cyclists and walkers out there raising money and creating the momentum, we wouldn't have much of a fundraiser. But you know what really makes these events tick? The volunteers!

"Volunteering is of course a bit of work. But it can also be incredibly fun and – especially for the uninitiated – an inspiring job. ...When you see what some folks are capable of – even in the face of major obstacles – it makes setting up a rest stop pretty easy. Or assisting with check-in. Or simply cheering on our athletes as they approach the finish line. Whatever your job may be, know that it has a real, visceral effect on the fight against multiple sclerosis … and brings us one step closer to a cure."

For those who don't know, Sloth volunteers as a Support and Gear (SAG) bike rider for Challenge Walk MS as part of his volunteer team, Team N3kk1d, which has raised $10,000 for MS.

Crew and super crew members are important to the success of each year's event. Thanks to everyone who volunteers -- in whatever way, shape or form -- to support Challenge Walk MS walkers!

Ways to Say Thanks

Thanking those who donated to your Challenge Walk MS fundraising goal is important, especially if you plan to ask them for their support again next year. Sending thank you cards that incorporate photos from the weekend is one way a number of Challenge Walk MS participants choose to show their gratitude, and websites such as Shutterfly, Snapfish, Walgreens and Walmart offer easy ways to create cards along with a variety of design options. Here are three samples from this year:

Message: Thank you for supporting me in the MS Challenge Walk 2013!

Message: With your help, our team raised $50,000. 

Message: Thank you for your donation to the National MS Society! This year, Team Marty & Clyde & Nancy raised $7,108! That money will help fund research and brings us one step closer to a world free of multiple sclerosis.

What is your favorite way to thank those who made a donation?

The 2013 Challenge Walk is Over…Now What?

by Marian Rezel

Celebrate and share pictures

• Send your supporters a thank you card. Include how much $$ the walk raised or how much $$ you or your team raised. Include a photo from the event. Supporters really appreciate this and are more likely to support you next year. 

Members of Marian's team at the
Challenge Walk MS 2013 finish line.

Plan for next year

• On our way home from Door County to Milwaukee in Car #1, two of my daughters brainstormed ideas for a rest-stop for next year. Meanwhile in Car #2, my other daughter and I talked about what went best and what we could improve on for next year.   
• Plan fund-raising ideas for next year. I am back at my sewing machine, filling orders for hand-made purses and aprons. I’m hoping to actually get ahead this year and open an Etsy shop on-line. We are also finishing the final hand knit hat orders for Tadpoles in Delafield, Wis. The lovely shop owners have been supporting our mission for the past three years; stop in if you are in the Delafield area.
  
• We are also planning a major fund-raising event in the Milwaukee area, more to come on that as soon as it develops. 

Keep connected

• Read the blog, go ahead and post a comment or two, too (or is it tu-tu?). We love hearing back from you.
  
• Create a Facebook group for your team. It’s an easy way to share thoughts and ideas and plan fundraising.
  
• Participate in another MS event. My girls and I participate in Walk MS each spring and sponsored a rest stop at the Bike MS: Best Dam Bike Ride last summer (awesome, going to do that again).  Don’t forget the MS Snowmobile Tour January 23-25, 2014.  

INSPIRE HOPE......check!

by Jackie Piper

I have to say I really loved our Sunday T-shirt for this year's Door County Challenge Walk MS. When I unfolded it in the cabin on Thursday night, I thought, “Cool, I like that message.”  And then, as the weekend progressed, I thought, no, this isn't just a cool T-shirt. This is the perfect message to express what Challenge Walk is all about. The dictionary defines hope as “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.” Here is how I define hope, brought to you by Challenge Walk 2013:

I HOPE YOU CHEER FOR ME:  What an amazing job the volunteers who man the rest stops do. On Saturday, at a particularly painful point in the walk, a chocolate candy necklace and row of silly cheerleaders made all the difference.

Jackie at the 49-mile marker on
Day 3 of Challenge Walk MS 2013

I HOPE I HAVE FUN:  What's more fun than an entire team in orange evening gowns and menswear? I really can't explain how much fun we all have doing this ridiculously long walk, but we all do.

I HOPE I MAKE A DIFFERENCE:  OK. Here's my theory: Someday there will be a research project funded by a grant with money from the Challenge Walk that will find a cure for MS. That money will be raised by individuals who collected money in dozens of different ways. Maybe someone's $10 donation will be the difference between a $500,000 grant and one for $499,990. That walker who made the effort to ask for that donation will have made the biggest difference in the world. It's just my theory, but every time we raise one dollar for MS, we make a difference.

I HOPE I FEEL LOVED:  The group hug on Sunday afternoon – what a visible way to show the people who are dealing with this disease every day that we care. 

I HOPE I CAN HOPE:  On Sunday at about mile 48 I encountered a couple who were walking alone together and we struck up a conversation. It turns out that she has MS and has been on the same medication as my son-in-law since 2001 without a relapse in all that time. Wow! I felt at that moment, “So this is why I came”...to listen to a story that inspires hope for Dylan who was diagnosed just four years ago.  

And so we take a little breather now before we roll up our shirt sleeves and get to work on the business of fighting MS at Challenge Walk 2014. 

I HOPE I see you all there.

Staying Motivated

by Jill Jones

For our “Survivors” team, staying motivated is one of our strengths. We have many people on our team that are energetic and motivated people to begin with. Our team captain, Heidi, sends us many emails and has a Facebook page just for our team to communicate. She keeps that energy flowing and keeps us all organized. 

We have team apparel that we can choose to buy that Heidi organizes for us. Each day we decide what to wear and then we all look similar, which can be a lot of fun. Many of us like to wear crazy socks and we bring all of the orange we can and have fun getting ready each day. 

Throughout the walk our team has a lot of fun supporting each other. You might hear us start cheers or singing along the way. We like to hum songs and then have our teammates guess what song it is. At each mile marker, our team takes a picture with whoever happens to be by the person with the camera. 

Challenge Walk MS, for everyone who takes the time to fundraise and participate, is motivation enough: WE ALL WANT TO FIND A CURE FOR MS! 

What I’m Packing for Challenge Walk

by Jill Jones

As you probably know, Challenge Walk MS is rain or shine, so to be prepared for the weather is a must. Also, since it starts earlier in the day, it can be chilly to start and get warmer as the day progresses. Each day last year I wore layers that I could put on or take off as the weather changed. 

When it rained last year, I had a poncho type raincoat that worked really well. This year, I am looking to purchase more of a rain suit that is a little lighter in weight. I feel this may be easier to walk in. When it rained last year and it was a little chilly, my team wore cotton gloves with plastic gloves over them to keep them dry. That really worked for me. Also, a hooded sweatshirt and jacket was a must for me to keep my ears covered.   

[Click here for more packing list ideas.]

What are your Challenge Walk MS "dress for success" tips?

My Shoes

by Jill Jones

Shoes are an important part of the Challenge Walk because they will determine how you feel each day of the walk. Before last year’s walk, I decided to go to a place where they would analyze my walk and determine the best shoes for me.  I knew that the shoes I would then purchase would cost more than just buying them elsewhere, but I thought it would be worth it. After the walk, I would agree that it was well worth the extra price. 

A funny story about my shoes is the day I bought them I was meeting with my brother and sister for supper that night. I had just come from the shoe store and proudly brought my box of shoes into the house to show them off. When I looked down at my sister’s feet, she was wearing the exact same shoes that I had just purchased. She had also done a foot strike analysis at a different store and ended up with the exact same pair of shoes. How funny is that? 

I would also invest in the moisture wicking socks or dri fit socks that you can purchase. They keep your feet dry and especially on a rainy day, your feet will thank you for it. 

This year I am going to wear those same shoes for the second year. I use them strictly for the Challenge Walk and training, so I am hoping that my feet will stay “happy” with me and I will not have to visit the excellent medical staff that we have at the Challenge Walk.  

What story do you have about your shoes?

Conference Call #3 Recap

The final Challenge Walk MS conference call was held September 11 at 6 p.m. Highlights are as follows:

Numbers Update:  Currently 132 walkers, 16 Super Crew and 49 crew members have registered. Alpine is ready for us, and the route is ready too!

Fundraising Deadline Reminder: The fundraising deadline is Monday, September 23. If you turned in a Promise to Pay form, the $1,500 is due by then. If you’re unable to attend Challenge Walk MS for some reason, please remember that the registration fees and all donations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Celebration Club: Secure $2,500 or more in pledges and become a member of the Celebration Club. Bronze members ($2,500-$4,999) receive a wearable item, Silver members ($5,000-$9,999) receive a wearable and a commemorative item, Gold members ($10,000 or more) receive a wearable, commemorative item and free registration for 2014.

Meet ‘N’ Greet: Relax with your team members, catch up with friends from past walks and get to know new participants at the Alpine Lodge bar on Thursday night. Light snacks, cash bar and a wine pull (pick a surprise bottle of wine in exchange for a donation) will be part of the evening.

First-time participants are invited to gather at the event check-in area (in the west lobby) at 7 p.m. Thursday for a separate quick and casual meet-and-greet of other rookie participants. It will be a great way to break the ice!

Group Photo: Each year a group photo is taken of all the participants together. In past years it was taken after the victory mile walk on Sunday. This year we’re going to take it Friday morning at the Clark Park start line location when everyone is fresh, energized and excited to get on the route. Be sure to bring your smiles that morning!

Meals for Family Members and Support Teams: Single meals can be purchased at the dining room entrance: $10 breakfast (Sat/Sun), $ 8 lunch  (Fri/Sat), $18 dinner (Fri/Sat). NOTE: Sunday lunch is only for event participants only; please ask friends to meet you at finish line at Murphy Park. For all weekend meals, volunteers can purchase a wristband for $56, family members for $72.

You Might Be a Challenge Walker If...

by Jackie Piper

You Might Be a Challenge Walker If…

(with a nod to Jeff Foxworthy)

1. You have had 10 blisters. On one foot.
2. You have walked 50 miles. And gained weight.
3. You have a funny taste in your mouth from licking envelopes and stamps for thank you notes.
4. You have wanted to kiss the folks at the mile 39 rest stop on Day 2.
5. You have kissed the SAG driver who brought you hot cocoa on a cold day.
6. You have worn surgical booties on your shoes in a vain attempt to keep them dry.
7. You have walked slower to keep a teammate company.
8. You have taken blurry pictures of Door County scenery because you didn’t want to stop walking.
9. You have walked mile 11, steeply uphill, eating a double scoop pumpkin caramel ice cream cone.
10. You have been shameless in who you would ask and what you would sell to raise money to fight MS.
11. You have made new friends through the shared pain and joy of a 50-mile Challenge Walk!

Have You Ordered Your Challenge Walk MS Jacket?

This year's Challenge Walk MS wearable item available for purchase is the Grinnell Lightweight Jacket.  Lightweight, 100% polyester, it has a flattering fit and contrasting zipper. Elasticized cuffs and adjustable drawcord keep wind and water out, while a back vent and mesh lining allow for ultimate breathability. Lower front zippered pockets create a sleek and slender look. Great for wearing in the morning then rolling up and packing in your half-day bag at noon! Orders must be placed by Wednesday, September 11. Jackets will be available for pick-up at Challenge Walk MS.

Challenge Walk MS Packing List

(Suggestions provided by veteran Challenge Walk MS walker Marian Rezel)

Walkers

• A half-day bag
• Cell phone and charger
• No-wick socks (9 pairs, including 3 for your half-day bag)
• Tennis shoes (2 pair, including 1 for the half-day bag)
• Under garments
• T-shirts (1 per day)
• Long-sleeve shirts
• Walking shorts (1 per day)
• Long walking pants
• Light-weight rain repellant jacket
• Fleece jacket
• Hooded jacket (sweatshirt or similar)
• Mittens or gloves
• Winter headband or hat
• Bandana
• Sun glasses
• Visor or baseball hat
• Flip flops or crocs (for after the walk)
• Umbrella
• Rain poncho
• First aid kit (although the SAG vehicles will have
  supplies and can provide assistance, you may want
  to carry Band-Aids, headache relief, blister
  packs, Body Glide or foot powder)
• Water bottle
• Gatorade
• 5-Hour Energy
• Power Bars
• Sun screen
• Lip balm with sun block

Volunteers

• Cell phone and charger
• Socks
• Tennis shoes
• Long sleeve shirts
• Light-weight rain repellant jacket
• Fleece jacket
• Hooded jacket (sweatshirt or similar)
• Mittens or gloves
• Winter headband or hat
• Bandana
• Sun glasses
• Visor or baseball hat
• Umbrella
• Flip flops or crocs (for after each day’s events)

Don’t forget to pack your regular traveling items too, including:

• Stuff to sleep in
• Pillow
• Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush)
• Undergarments for during the walk and for after
• Extra towels
• Clothes to wear in the evenings 

Other items to consider bringing include hand warmers and money for special purchases along the way (ice cream at Wilsons!) or from the weekend’s silent auction.

Do you have any other suggestions? Share it in the comment section below.

It's the Final Countdown

We’re officially two weeks away from Challenge Walk MS 2013! Think back on all the hours of training and all your efforts in fundraising and pat yourself on the back, then think how you’ll want to celebrate come Challenge Walk MS weekend.

Right now Chapter staff members are putting the finishing touches on all details for the event, but here are a few key points and reminders:

Thursday Night Early Check-In
If you’re arriving in Door County on Thursday, be sure to plan to join everyone in the Alpine Lodge Thursday night for early check-in (beginning at 5:30 p.m.) and a get-to-know-each-other reception. Light refreshments will be available or you can purchase beverages from the bar. You can also drop off any items for the silent auction at that time.

Please note – Challenge Walk MS accommodations are for Friday & Saturday night only. If you're arriving Thursday, you must make additional arrangements for staying overnight.

The Route
Challenge Walk MS will guide you through the historic Door County Peninsula along designated daily routes. The walk will be a scenic experience that you can enjoy with your Challenge Walk MS companions. Rest stops every three miles will provide you with everything you need to make your walk a success, and the route will have plenty of support vehicles and medical staff. 
Here are the links to each day’s route:
Friday Route Map  |  Saturday Route Map  |  Sunday Route Map

Bring Spending Money
It’s Door County after all! You might want some ice cream along the route or see something while window shopping. Plus there’s the silent auction Friday and Saturday and, if past events are any indication, you’ll see more than one thing to bid on! Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted for the winning bids.

Congratulations to the Top 5 individual fundraisers (to date as of Sept. 6):

1.       Connie Plier, $22,695

2.       Jenny Egan, $10,561

3.       Lori DeNoble, $8,735

4.       Patricia Heller, $7,872

5.       Sari Swets, $7,272

Way to “go the extra mile” in your fundraising efforts!!

Remember to Pack for the Weather

Challenge Walk MS takes place rain or shine. Since we are in Wisconsin, temperatures in September can vary from low to high, all in the span of a few hours. Dress accordingly, and remember to make use of a half-day bag so you can adjust your layers (or swap out your socks and shoes) at lunch. (What’s a half-day bag? Scroll down on this page to find out.)

Don't forget that the last Challenge Walk MS Conference Call is this coming Wednesday at 6 p.m. Last minute details will be shared and any questions will be answered. Don't miss it! Dial 888-279-3775 and use code 4804.

My Fingers Look Like Little Sausages

by Marian Rezel

This is a tale of hand inflammation and other tips for a successful Challenge Walk MS.

I first joined Challenge Walk MS in 2009. Although I trained like a champion, I was not totally prepared. I remember while walking with my friend Lori that we noticed that our hands were retaining water. One of us said, “My fingers look like little sausages!” We threw our arms up in the air, getting them above our hearts and, bam, just like that the swelling went down … for about 5 seconds. We improvised a solution (arms up, open and closing hands, wiggling fingers) until we hit our next rest stop. They were handing out little squishy balls at the stop and told us that these would help us with our sausage fingers.  

Lesson learned: pack a stress ball.  You can make your own by filling balloons with flour, cornstarch, Play Dough or sand. Another idea is to cut up a clean pool noodle and squish that.  

Make your own stress ball
using balloons filled with
cornstarch, Play Dough or sand.

Or slice a pool noodle and
squeeze that to prevent
swollen fingers.

“I’ve got blisters on my toes.” I actually have not experienced this malady, but I know many who have.  You need to reduce friction and keep your feet dry to prevent blisters. Here are some tips: 

•          Wear water wicking socks (pack an extra pair in your half-day bag).
•          Use a foot powder (like Gold Bond). 
•          Prep your feet with petroleum jelly or Body Glide (that’s what I use).  

Another lesson I learned the hard way: My legs were aching after the first day. I didn’t sign up for a massage, I just toughed it out.  I didn’t get a massage the second day either. My poor old legs were so tired on Sunday. I figured it was just “supposed” to be that way. The next year I took a team mate’s advice and signed up for a massage after the first night. My legs felt so good on Saturday that I signed up for another massage that night. No exhaustion on Sunday. I will always get a massage. Note to self: self … you can sign up for the massage right now (Friday massage | Saturday massage). Don’t delay.

Did you know that the friendly drivers in the Support and Gear (SAG) Wagons carry water?  Yes they do, and they are more than happy to hand them out. Take advantage of this; don’t be a camel and try to haul around a day’s worth of water on your back. Those nice folks in the SAG Wagons will also take your empties so you won’t have to haul your garbage around with you either.  

One more tip … have fun, it really does help if you face the challenge with a smile. I’ll see you on the walk!

Fundraising Ideas

by Jill Jones

Fundraising is an important part of Challenge Walk MS. My advice to anyone who participates in the Challenge Walk is to ask people to help you, either your Challenge Walk teammates or other friends, family and community organizations. Working with other people makes fundraising so much more fun. It requires someone to take the first step, to initiate the idea, and when you see that idea flourish, it becomes something very special. 

I am part of the “Survivors-Out Move, Out Last” team and every year our team has a goal to get everyone to the Celebration Club, which is to raise at least $2,500. This year, in my second year of the Challenge Walk MS, I personally set a goal to double that. 

As mentioned in my last blog post, our team started the Milton Mud Challenge three years ago in hopes of raising enough money for every member of the team to participate in the Challenge Walk MS. (More about that later.) Our team also holds other fundraisers during the year to increase the awareness of MS and to raise as much money as possible. These are ideas that might work for you too!    

·         Pin Up sales. You can get these from the National MS Society and ask a business to put them up. This is an easy fundraiser and creates a lot of awareness for MS.

·         Make and sell decorative flower hair pins. Some of our team members are hair and color specialists so they sell these at their salon. 

·         Collection jar. These same team members also have a jar at their salon that they collect money in for our team.

·         Sell T-shirts.  A local organization sold T-shirts and donated the money to our team.

·         Send letters. Don’t be afraid to ask people in a good old-fashioned letter. People like a personal touch and if you take time to send a letter to them, they might be happy to help you out by donating to your cause.

·         Hold a fun run/walk. One team member and the Evansville Health Club hosted “Huffin for a Stuffin” on Thanksgiving morning, and the 4-H club I am part of hosted the “Shamrock Shuffle” in March in Cambria.  

We have also held roller skating parties and bake sales.  

This Saturday, August 24^th, embarks the 3^rd annual Milton Mud Challenge. Our “Survivors- Out Move, Out Last” team started this fundraiser as a way to gain funds for the Challenge Walk MS three years ago. This year our goal is to raise $40,000. We have over 650 people registered and although the event is a lot of work to host, it is worth it. Our team really works together on this event and makes it a lot of fun. The reason for the event is what makes it work so well: to find a cure for MS! 

Jill and her sister Heidi

Conference Call #2 Recap

The second Challenge Walk MS conference call was held August 14 at 6 p.m. Highlights are as follows:

Numbers Update: Currently 124 walkers, 13 Super Crew members and 29 crew members are registered. Ten walkers and a crew member have registered since last month’s conference call! Keep recruiting friends and family members to join the event or donate. The goal is 155 walkers and $415,000 raised.

Celebration Club: This is your year to become part of the Celebration Club, a special designation for those who secure $2,500 or more in pledges. You earn different incentives at each level: Bronze: $2,500 to $4,999; Silver: $5,000 to $9,999; Gold: $10,000 or more.

Massage Reservations Massage therapists from Signature Body & Mind Solutions provide massages on Friday and Saturday afternoon and evening. No reservations required, though advanced reservations can be made online. Cost is $1/minute.

Commemorative Wear: A special Challenge Walk MS “souvenir,” this wearable item is available for purchase to commemorate your participation in the event. A different item is made available each year and are sold through the Wisconsin Chapter website. This year’s item is a lightweight jacket with lower front zippered pockets, and a back vent and mesh lining for breathability. Orders must be placed online at challengewalkMSwi.org by September 11. Jackets will be available for pick up at Challenge Walk MS and cost $30 each.

Rooming: Chapter staff will call all participants at the end of this month or beginning of September to let you know what cabin or room has been reserved for you and who you will be staying with. There is an incremental cost for those who plan to stay over Thursday night; lodge rooms start at $79.00 (plus tax). Let the Chapter office know by  Friday, August 30 if you need a room for Thursday night.

Thursday Night – Registration, Meet ‘n’ Greet: Most participants arrive Thursday night and participate in the Meet ‘n’ Greet, where you can drop off auction items; meet other walkers, Super Crew and crew members; and check out the “wine pull” (you pay a flat amount and choose any of the wrapped bottles of wine set out for display – it’s a great way to raise a few extra dollars to support the MS Movement and get a tasty beverage for yourself to enjoy during the weekend). During the conference call, veteran participant Connie Plier added that coming Thursday is a big help because it’s easier to get settled in and get ready for the big walk in the morning.

Meals for family members, support team: Meals for Challenge Walk walkers and Super Crew are included as part of your fundraising and include breakfast, lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday, plus snacks throughout all three days. Family and support teams who are staying at the resort but aren’t participating can purchase meal tickets available online at challengewalkMSwi.org. Tickets can be purchased for specific meals or for the entire weekend. The prices are being confirmed.

Silent Auction: The silent auction is open Friday and Saturday evenings. Each Challenge Walk MS participant has the option of providing items, with the dollars raised going toward their fundraising totals. $50 minimum value per basket is requested. Basket description(s) are due by Friday, September 13. Email descriptions with estimated value to: jamie.baker@nmss.org, then drop your items off in the Lodge Thursday night or Friday before the walk begins. If you put a basket together, it’s suggested that you try to get the items donated instead of paying for them yourself. Special thanks to Marian and Hayley Rezel for volunteering to help run the auction. If you would like to help them, email jamie.baker@nmss.org.

Additional Reminders 

Medical Assistance will be available on site at Alpine for blisters, strained muscles, other needs before and after each day’s walk, and also along route. As one person on the conference call said, “The work they can do to prevent blisters is amazing!”

Letters of Inspiration Let family, friends, colleagues, church members or any group you belong to know they can send in letters, cards or notes for you to receive during the weekend. Suggest it to anyone who says they can’t be there or can’t donate. Letters need to be received at the Chapter office by September 13. Email jamie.baker@nmss.org or have them sent to 1120 James Dr., Ste. A, Hartland, 53029, attn: Jamie Baker.

Your Photos and Quotes Each year we like to share a photo of each participant and a quote about why you are part of Challenge Walk. Send your photo and quote via email before the end of this month. 1 MB (1,000 KB) or larger, jpg or eps format, head shots preferred.  Quotes should be 1-2 sentences (anything longer may be edited for length). Email to jamie.baker@nmss.org by August 31.

Challenge Walk blog If you haven’t seen it already, visit challengewalkmsdoorcounty.blogspot.com/. A number of new posts in the past month from veteran walkers.Share your own training photos, pictures from last year, your own insight into the weekend by emailing them to maureen.waslicki@nmss.org.

Posters Were sent out to registered participants at the end of July. If you need any, you can download from the Challenge Walk website’s fundraising headquarters.

Upcoming Call The last call before the walk will be Wednesday, September 11 at 6 p.m. If you haven’t been on a call yet, this is the one to join. Get all your last minute questions answered! Call 888-279-3775 and use conference code 4804. 

Jackie’s Top 12 Challenge Walk Favorites (when 10 isn’t enough!)

by Jackie Piper

1.  The Alpine Resort  

I'm pretty sure the movie "White Christmas" was filmed here in 1954. I love every quaint, kitschy inch of it!

2.  Door County Scenery
What a lovely walk through the countryside, every day, rain or shine.

3.  Wilson's Ice Cream
If the powers that be ever change the Day One route, our team will be making a looooong detour for this!

4.  Amazing Rest Stops
In a comparison study, Door County CW volunteers received the highest ratings compared to other really, really long walks. (Just kidding...but they would!)

5.  Mile Markers
Is there any more welcome site in the world those three days than Mile Markers 19, 39, and 49? Surely, I can walk ONE MORE MILE.

6.  Massages  
My calves thank you. My thighs thank you. My lower back thanks you!

7.  Basket Auction
I never knew I needed so many items until I saw them at the auction and I HAD to bid!

8.  The Teams
Your team, my team, all the teams are incredibly inspirational! Will there ever be a better team name than "MS is BS"??  And, how do you thank teammates who meet you at mile marker 40 with a hard cider??

9.  Dinner Programs  
I am so tired that I think I can't hold my head up another minute. Then an amazing speaker stands up and gives a testimonial that has me hanging on every word.

10. A Wisconsin Welcome  
I'm from Illinois. I used to live in Wisconsin many moons ago and I miss hearing “bubbler” and “stop and go lights.”  But, I feel I've come home when I walk in the door of the resort and get a warm and wonderful, “We're so glad you're here! Thanks for walking.”

(left to right) Annie Welch and
Cammie Meerdink with their mom,
Jackie Piper, at the 2012
Challenge Walk MS finish line

11. The Ultimate Inspiration  
When I see the number of people who have MS who are participating in the Challenge Walk, I stand in awe.

12. The Finish Line

I don't remember when I first heard this line, but it is so true:  "Challenge Walk changes your life.”  When I cross the finish line, I’m not helpless against this terrible disease. I’m powerful. When the day comes that a cure for MS is announced, I can say, “I helped.”

Multiple Rest Stops for Multiple Screwballs

Challenge Walk MS team Multiple Screwballs pitched in and helped out earlier this month at Bike MS: TOYOTA Best Dam Bike Ride by hosting a rest stop for cyclists. The CWMS veterans have plenty of experience: they've hosted wonderful stops for fellow Challenge Walk MS participants in the past and will continue the tradition this year. Below are a few photos of their Best Dam Bike Ride stop.

The Multiple Screwballs' stop was on the "Century Loop," where riders who chose the 100-mile route received special stickers signifying their accomplishment. Many riders chose to showcase their stickers on their rider bibs. 

Spread the Word About Challenge Walk MS with a Letter to the Editor

If the story of why you are participating in Challenge Walk MS is newsworthy or compelling (which, of course, it is!), share it with others. Write a letter to your local community paper – even send a picture. Editors will be interested in your connection to multiple sclerosis and the fact that you’re doing something positive to help everyone affected by the disease.

When deciding whether or not to send a letter to the editor, consider the potential results:

• Increased awareness of MS in your area
• Additional donations to your personal or team fundraising
• Increased media coverage of the event, resulting in additional event participant registration, additional volunteers and more donations overall
• The editor may ask for more information or a photo shoot

If you have decided to send the letter, include the following:

• Who you are and why you are participating. Provide your contact information (email address, phone number or both)
• Accurate information about the event, including its name, location and dates 
• Details on how readers can help (e.g. join, volunteer, donate)

Remember that ANYTHING you mention or write to the publication could be printed – nothing is “off the record.”

Here’s a sample letter that you can use, or you can write your own:

To the editor:

Challenge Walk MS is a three-day, 50-mile fundraising walk benefitting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. I will be part of the event in Door County September 20-22 because [insert your own personal connection here/why you have chosen to participate].

Multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease of the central nervous system with no known cure, is believed to have a higher prevalence rate in Wisconsin than other states, with more than 10,000 children, women and men diagnosed. Events like Challenge Walk MS fund the cutting-edge research as well as the programs and services that benefit everyone touched by the disease.

I’m asking our community to show its support of the Movement for a world free of MS with a donation to the National MS Society or by joining Challenge Walk MS in Door County. Anyone interested can visit challengewalkMSwi.org or call 800-242-3358 in Wisconsin.

Thank you.

[your name]

[your phone or email]

[your neighborhood or town]

Oh, The Places You'll Go

by Jackie Piper

“Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes

You can steer yourself

any direction you choose.

You're on your own.  And you know what you know.

And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.”

-“Oh, The Places You’ll Go,” by Dr. Seuss

So, it’s my second blog post and you have figured out that I spend a lot of time hanging out with kids. One of the many things I’ve learned is that all of life’s lessons really are found in children’s literature! Leave it to Dr. Seuss, in his famous and popular “graduation gift” book to remind us what we are capable of.

However, for those who are affected with MS, hopes and dreams for the future can be quickly, viciously and painfully dashed with the words, “you have MS”. I have never heard those words. My young son-in-law, Dylan, has. At age 27, with a 1-year-old son, he was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS.

As a nurse, Dylan was certainly aware of the range of symptoms possible with MS. It could have been enough to stop him from heading off to any “Great Places.” But, Dylan has been unstoppable.

This is what Challenge Walk MS and other MS Society fundraising has done and will continue to do. The research and progress in treatment enables people to live life, pursue their dreams and move forward.

Since diagnosis 4 years ago, the “Great Places” Dylan has been off to include a nursing degree, a new house,

Jackie is involved in Challenge Walk MS to honor her
son-in-law, Dylan,shown here with his wife (Jackie's
daughter) and their two children. (Baby #3 is due
in December.)

a full-time job, a passion for fly fishing, another little boy, and Baby #3 due in December.

So, this is why I walk. I want Dylan and every person diagnosed with MS to be “off and away” to “Great Places,” with hope and confidence that we are doing everything we can to beat MS.