Community Corner

Wilmington Team Gears up for 2014 MS Challenge Walk with Fundraiser

Deadline to register for cornhole/bean bag toss tournament is Tuesday, July 21.

Team Sweaty Already is back again this year to raise funds and increase awareness about Multiple Sclerosis. The team is participating in the MS Challenge Walk — a 3-Day, 50-mile walk that takes place on Sept. 5-7, on Cape Cod. Last year, team Sweaty Already raised more than $7,000 bringing the four year total to $25,000. With a team of six this year the goal is to raise $10,000 which will bring the 5 year fundraising to $35,000. Proceeds from the walk and their annual Bags and Beers fundraiser support the National MS Society’s Greater New England Chapter.

Tara Tonello and Shelley Kresser (formerly both Hardimon’s, Wilmington residents) started fundraising in 2010 in honor of their mom, Susan Hardimon, who was diagnosed in 2003. They participate and fundraise for the MS Challenge Walk, along with their husbands Brian and Erik to give back and to honor their mom for all that she has done, and the bravery she shows each day facing this unpredictable disease. Each day is a struggle for her, but she is determined in battling, overcoming, and adapting her life because of her MS.

Their annual fundraiser to raise funds for their fundraising requirement, which is $1,500 per person, is taking place on Saturday, July 26 at the Knights of Columbus in Wilmington. This is a cornhole/bean bag toss tournament. The first year featured more than 32 teams and raised nearly $5,000. All proceeds from “Bags and Beers” goes to the team’s MS Challenge Walk fundraising efforts. Team donation amount (two players) is $50. There will be other fun activities, including raffles, food and music there for those who might not want to play, but still want come out to show your support. The Knights of Columbus and other local businesses generously donate the space and other items to keep costs low, which helps us raise more money for those with MS.

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The MS Challenge Walk weekend is an amazing experience where more than 500 walkers come together to honor those they know with MS. It truly is a powerful experience and Team Sweaty Already “feels so fortunate to be able to walk each year in honor of those who can’t. 50 miles over 3 days is no easy task. You walk 20 miles on Friday, 20 miles on Saturday and then 10 on Sunday, but it’s nothing compared to what those living with MS have to face and talk on each day. The blisters, muscle ache’s, sunburns, and sore legs and “sweaty” days are worth it as we know we are making a difference and empowering those with MS. And every dollar we raise helps the National MS Society get one step closer to finding a cure and allows them to provide additional support services and programs to help those living with MS today,” says Tara Tonello.

To learn more about the team’s fundraising efforts, visit the team's website. . where you can register, learn more about team Sweaty Already, and access information on how you can donate and give back. If you are participating in the tournament, please register by July 21.

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Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. The immune system incorrectly attacks healthy tissue in the CNS. MS can cause many symptoms, including blurred vision, loss of balance, poor coordination, slurred speech, tremors, numbness, extreme fatigue, problems with memory and concentration, paralysis, and blindness and more. These problems may come and go or persist and worsen over time. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, although individuals as young as 2 and as old as 75 have developed it.

Proceeds specifically are directed to the Greater New England Chapter — which works to improve quality of life for individuals and families affected by MS In Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. The chapter raises funds for cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education and providing programs and services that empower people with MS and their families to move their lives forward.


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