Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Walk unites community for special cause

ALBANY, Ga. – Over the weekend, the Albany community united for a meaningful cause – raising awareness for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) .

The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Walk drew dozens of participants, each taking strides to support those living with the disease.

“We walk to raise awareness. Number two is we walk for hope. Three, is we walk in memory of those that have gone before us, we walk to support a loved one. We walk because we all care,” said Dale Hodges, featured speaker, 2025 MS Awareness Walk.

The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Walk featured prizes, local vendors, and activities designed to keep participants active.

Beyond the fun, the event also provided valuable resources, including health screenings and informational support for those living with MS, as well as their supporters.

“A person may experience sensory loss, motor weakness, optic neuritis, which is vision loss in one eye, typically with loss of color vision and pain with eye movement, balance problems, or heat intolerance. The workup for MS Begins with a detailed history and examination. The history should ask specifically about the possibility of prior attacks with symptoms. Then a thorough, comprehensive neurologic exam should be performed, but to definitively diagnose a MS will require an MRI and possibly a lumbar puncture, also known as spinal tap,” said Dr. Dominique Mortel, MD, Neurologist, Phoebe Health System.

Nearly 1 million people in the U.S. are living with multiple sclerosis (MS), with 2.8 affected worldwide. As awareness grows, so does the effort to support those impacted.

Events like this prove that a strong support system can make all the difference. Organizers say they hope to continue spreading awareness and encourage those living with MS to keep moving forward – one step at a time.

De’Andra Jacobs reporting.

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