Last Year MS Kept Her From Walking. This Year She's Walking 50 Miles to End the Disease.

But the MS did not take away this womans determination. This year Soffer will tackle the National Multiple Sclerosis Societys Challenge Walk with seven teammates. Their team name is Soffers Mission." And their mission is to help stop MS.

Linda Smith or Kevin Wheeler 800-548-4611
Cherry Hill Resident Treks 50 Miles To End MS

(PRWEB) August, 2003 -- No one dare tell Beth Soffer that she is sick." This determined 36-year old Cherry Hill resident, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 11 years ago. Last Summer she could barely walk. But this October 10-12, she will trek 50 miles over three days in the National Multiple Sclerosis Societys Challenge Walk. She plans to raise more than $5000 to help end MS.

Last year I literally could not walk 10 yards in front of me, I was so sick," says Soffer. I couldnt walk one block to the beach without stopping and resting. This year, I can. And every breath I take, I appreciate my health. Im better now. Im better and I want to do something."

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.

I know I can do this," says Soffer. In training, I havent been able to walk more than three miles without my foot starting to flop. But then if I take a rest, cool my body temperature down, and sit down for three minutes, my foot wont flop. I can do it."

Such determination has been hard earned for Soffer who used to run her husbands dental practice. MS made it impossible for her to work outside the home. Now, a stay-at-home mother of two, she says she gets a lot of support from her family and friends. Husband Kenneth Soffer is a Clementon dentist whos been known to recruit patients and employees to participate in MS fundraising events. And her Mother plans on assisting as a crew member in this years 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 Beth Soffer will tackle the Challenge Walk with seven teammates. She is walking with six friends and her sister-in-law. Their team name is Soffers Mission." Im the kind of person who has to prove to myself that I can do something," says Soffer. Im sick of being sick. Im sick of not being able to do things. Im angry that I have this disease, and I can do this."

To learn more about how you can support Beth Soffer and the MS Challenge Walk, contact the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at 1-800-883-WALK . To sponsor the Soffers Mission" team in their walk to beat MS, mail donations to: 35 Galloping Hill Road, Cherry Hill, N.J. 08003 or email bethycs@aol.com.

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