2012 Walk MS to include UD campus

2:07 p.m., May 4, 2012--Rain or shine, the Delaware Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society along with the Newark and University of Delaware communities will hold its “2012 Walk MS: University of Delaware” event at UD’s Newark campus Sunday, May 6.

Starting at 10 a.m., more than 600 students and Newark-area residents will leave from UD’s Trabant University Center for a 2.7 mile walk within the city of Newark to raise awareness and help end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis.

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Taylor Demario, a junior marketing major in the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, will be leading her own team for the second year in a row through the walk in hopes of raising awareness and donations for the cause.

“The MS walk is so important to me due to the fact that it hits so close to home,” said Demario. “It really symbolizes hope and inspiration that so many people are coming together to fight for a cause.”

Demario became captain of her own team last year to show support and love for a family member and UD alumnus by raising awareness and money to fight for a cure.

“It is so rewarding to see the ending amount that you, as just one person, could raise,” said Demario. “It’s truly inspiring to realize that one young individual like myself could make such a big impact. Last year I raised about $4,000 for the cause.”

As a sister of Chi Omega Fraternity, Demario has built this year’s team of 59 --  so far  -- with support from Chi Omega sisters, the brothers of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and friends and family near and far.

Aside from building a team for the walk, Demario, alongside her roommate Kate Stamph, creates bracelets and sells them on Facebook to raise funds for the National MS society.

“I thought of the idea because I make my own jewelry and sell it on the side,” said Demario. “I figured I could make some for a good cause and sell them to donate all of the money for the walk.”

By raising awareness and donations for the cause Demario has provided support and help to the National MS society, but the experience has also affected her own life and future.

“After working with the National MS Society for the past two years, I am deeply considering a position in a nonprofit organization or creating my own nonprofit organization,” said Demario.

Numerous UD registered student organizations, as well as YoUDee ,will be at the walk this Sunday to volunteer, assist with registration and cheer on walkers.

The National MS Society Delaware Chapter raises money to support cutting edge research and provides programs and services to help the 1,550 Delawareans with MS to not let the disease hold them back.

Apart from the UD event, the Delaware Chapter holds four other walks throughout the state of Delaware.

Article by Arianne Minch