Nearly a thousand people showed support during 2018 MS Walk

An incredible amount of community support was displayed at the 2018 MS Walk in Colorado Springs Saturday.

Close to a thousand people gathered to not only help raise awareness but to raise funds to hopefully end MS for good. The crowd was lively, cheerful, and full of spirit as people flooded Acacia Park.

Nicole Odell, who battles MS, and is a Development Specialist with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, said that one in every 400 people in Colorado live with MS so being able to bring people together to raise funds is critical in the fight to move closer to an MS free world. 

The funds raised will provide services, groundbreaking research, and help those living with the disease. "So that we can allow those with MS to live their best lives and work to end MS forever," said Odell.

She also explained that the disease effects everyone differently so raising awareness and showing support is important. 

News 5’s own Rob Quirk was also among the crowd as he has a personal connection to the fight. Rob had two sisters diagnosed with MS, and uses platforms like Saturday’s event to help people like his sisters. 

"Money will continue to be raised, awareness will continue to be raised, research will continue to be done, and strides are being made in terms of treatment for MS. So that’s the good news as we try to continue to move forward and find developments." 

Rob lost his sister Kathleen in February of this year, who was diagnosed with MS 20 years ago. His other sister Joanne is doing well in her current battle with the disease and has been able to take advantage of modern medicine and treatment to fight it.