South Jersey Family Walks 50 Miles to End MS

We think your readers would be touched and inspired after reading the story of Roseann Murray, a local woman who has MS, and her dedicated family. When Roseann was first diagnosed, she kept the diagnosis private for fear people would look at her differently. But after 15 years of suffering in silence, she has told family and friends about her battle with the debilitating disease and has been overwhelmed by their outpouring of support.

Linda Smith or Kevin Wheeler 800-548-4611

Local Family Treks 50 Miles To End MS

(PWEB) August, 2003 -- When Roseann Murray was diagnosed with MS, she kept the diagnosis private for fear that people would look at her differently. But after 15 years of suffering in silence, the Vineland resident has told family and friends about her battle with the debilitating disease and has been overwhelmed by their outpouring of support. This October 10-12, Murrays husband John and daughter Melissa will trek 50 miles over three days in the National Multiple Sclerosis Societys Challenge Walk. The entire extended family is participating in fundraising efforts and plans to raise more than $3000 to help end MS.

I cant walk far so I have braces for my legs," says Murray. If Im going to walk any distance, I have to wear the braces because my legs get too weak."    Murray developed MS in her late twenties when she was a young mother with three children. Her children grew up knowing there were things their Mom just could    not do.          
They didnt really see the MS, because thats the way it always was," says Murray. I never ran after a football because I couldnt. I just never ran."

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic unpredictable neurological disease affecting more than 400,000 Americans. The symptoms, which can range from fatigue and blurred vision, to paralysis and blindness, can come and go without warning. For a person with MS, even putting one foot in front of the other can be a challenge.

Murrays doctors tell her that her disease is slow moving, which is good news. If it wasnt, I would be in a wheelchair today," she says. They tell me that I am very lucky." But its difficult to feel very lucky when you cant confidently hold your own
grandchildren because MS has caused you to lose feeling in your arms, hands and legs. And its hard to face each day not knowing what your condition will be. The doctors have no answers because there are no answers," says Murray. When you get up in the morning, there you have your answer.

But Murray says shes gotten used to not knowing and its made her more determined to do her part to end MS. She is busier than ever these days -running a raffle, holding a Chinese auction, and arranging a yard sale -all to support her husband and daughter in The MS Challenge Walk. Participating in the Challenge Walk is all about getting answers for Murray.

Im hoping that my girls or possibly my grandchildren wont have to go through this," she says. By the time they are older, there will be something. If not a cure, at least a way to arrest MS." Such determination has been hard earned for Murray who used to work as a secretary. MS made it impossible for her to work outside the home. Now, her energies are focused on The MS Challenge Walk.

The MS Challenge Walk will begin October 10 on the steps of The Philadelphia Museum of Art. More than 600 people, most of whom have been touched by MS, will walk from historic Philadelphia through rural Montgomery County and back. Their motivations may vary, but they all will raise awareness of MS and money needed to advance scientific research and fund support services.   

This year John and Melissa Murray will tackle the Challenge Walk on behalf of their wife and mother. Roseann Murrays one time family secret has become a family call to action. Nobody has dwelled on the fact that I have MS and no body has felt sorry for me," says Murray. I cant believe how many people really care. I dont know what I expected. It's made me feel really good. People just say 'What can we do to help? "

To learn what you can do to help to support the Murray family and the MS Challenge Walk, contact the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at 1-800-883-WALK . To sponsor the Murray family team in their walk to beat MS, mail donations to: Roseann Murray, c/o Rosenhayn Tavern, P.O. Box 545 Rosenhayn, NJ 08352 or email TysMeMom@aol.com.

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