Why I Walk

My son Matt and I are walking to raise awareness of this disease and to raise money in hope that it will bring a cure for MS. My sister Pat has lives with this terrible disease and it is her strength and courage that motivate us to get involved and participate! Dan Denoble

I am walking for my family - my sisters, Joan and Fran, and my brother, Pete, have MS and my cousin, Ted, lost his battle with MS. Donna Lemmer

I am walking this year because last year's Challenge Walk MS was an amazing experience. I laughed, cried, learned a lot, and met a lot of inspirational people. Amy Mangan

In 2008 I experienced‎ an episode. The doctor told me that I had a chance of developing MS. I am blessed, I haven't had any other symptoms. Other people aren't as fortunate. I walk so that we can find a way to diagnose and treat MS. Melissa Wheeler

We are involved with Challenge Walk MS because we want to ensure that the next generation will not have to live with this disease. There is a cure out there and we hope our efforts will make that come true. It is wonderful to participate in this walk with all of the most amazing people. Everyone is committed to making a change. It is very inspiring. Pat and Tom Heller

I am walking for everyone who's lives have been touched by MS, especially my mom, Joyce David. If you know my mom you know she is not quitter. She is the most amazing mom ever, she is also a daughter, sister, grandma and a friend to so many. She has a special way of touching the lives of everyone she meets. She is someone who after meeting you for the first time will call you her friend and mean it. I too have had my struggles through the years and my mom was there by my side for every one of them...and just ask her...there have been many, but with her by my side I have become the woman I am today, and I like to think I am pretty cool, but it was with her pushing me that I am who I am...and this weekend I will again push her on Sunday for the 10 miles in return for the 34 years she has pushed me and guided me. We are an unstoppable mother/daughter team and I want her to know that I am by her side every step of the way and we will never let MS bring us down. We will take life "One day at a time" and "One step at a time". Love you mom. Carrie Pouwels

I walk to honor the memory of my mom and to contribute my small part to support research for a cure, so others can live a life free of MS. Anne Brouwer

I'm walking with some of the best friends I've ever had because I'm terrified of not being able to do so in the future. Thanks to each and every one of you who take steps with hope in your hearts and strength in your soles. Kim Bertram

I was diagnosed with MS in 1999...my mother died in 2007 after many years of living with MS. I walk to help find the cure...too many wonderful people struggle with this illness every day, and if I can spend three days walking 50 miles raising money for the cause, it is the least I can do. Anne Rogalski

I walk to help raise money to find a cure for MS, so that Kim and many others like her no longer have to live with the pain. Janet Reeves

Last year was my first Door County Challenge Walk MS. I am thrilled to be back this year even though I now fully understand the amount of work, both fund raising and training, that goes into a weekend like this. One of the members of my team, ABS to Brake MS, lost her mom to MS. So Anne, Betsy, and I honor her memory by doing this walk. I believe we are making a huge difference for those who are living with MS today. Sue Running

I participate in the Challenge Walk MS to support my friend and to celebrate her strength, courage, and faith. We walk to find a cure. Stacey Remington



I am doing the Challenge Walk MS because I am a face of MS; I am grateful that my hard work to feel better is paying off; and I want to enjoy one of my most favorite places in the world - Door County. I’m not going to let MS get in my way of doing something important; this training and the event are my biggest and boldest personal challenge and commitment ever. Laura Sowinski

We participate to support research fo a MS free future for our children and grandchildren. Carole Frank

I'm walking in Challenge Walk MS because I HATE what this disease does to everyone it touches! Lori Kolosowsky