61 msfocusmagazine.org Q: What did you learn from the process of creating this event? A: I learned just how many people have good hearts and want to help. The response we received was overwhelming. People can be so generous and it doesn’t matter if they have MS or not, they really came to us with the desire to help. Q: What do you think others should know aboutyourexperience creating and holding this event? A: Start out with a good group of people around you. Don’t worry about the size of the group, or how much money you raise the first year. You can’t do it all yourself and you need people that you can count on. Use the resources available to you. Call MS Focus, they can put you in touch with someone who has done this before and that person can give you guidance and good ideas. Keep it simple and create a good experience. It’s about growing it year after year and making it the “place to be,” not an obligation. Our first year participating in a walk we raised $1,134. This year we raised more than $21,000 and through the years we have raised more than $240,000. We take it one event at a time. Q: Tell us what inspires you to keep doing this. A: Our inspiration comes from all of the people that come out to support the event. Being with people who have MS and with people who don’t have MS helps build the sense of community and we know we are not in this fight alone. If you have any questions about this event or a subject that was touched upon, contact Nathalie Sloane, MS Focus’ Development Director, by email at nsloane@msfocus.org, or call 800-225-6495.