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Lincoln to have first MS Walk Sensible Steps By DIANE TURBYFILL, LTN Staff Writer Jan. 11, 2002 --Belinda Bumgarner never expected to be an advocate for multiple sclerosis (MS). But, after being diagnosed in August of 1999, the Lincolnton resident has taken on the role willingly. Bumgarner is Lincolnton’s community walk manager for the MS Walk coming to town in April. “This will be the first one held in Lincolnton,” she says. Bumgarner attended an MS walk in Hickory in 2000 where she headed a team — Belinda’s Buddies. After completing the walk, she filled out an evaluation form where she suggested holding a walk in Lincolnton. When a representative from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society contacted her about her suggestion, Bumgarner immediately assumed the leadership role. She is now spearheading the event. The first MS Walk was held in 1989 with the purpose of raising money for MS research. Since then, many new discoveries have been made about the disease. “There’s no cure for MS, but there are treatments,” Bumgarner says. Bumgarner admits that before being diagnosed, she was naïve about the chronic disease of the central nervous system that affects the brain and spinal cord — in it’s worst scenario causing paralysis or loss of vision. She has now broadened her knowledge. “I was on the Internet reading everything,” she says. But much of her new-found knowledge has come from others. “Since I found out that I have MS, I’ve met a lot of people who have it.” Fortunately, Bumgarner is able to give her self an injection each day to help keep her condition stabilized, and she is still quite healthy. Bumgarner works full-time as the public health educator at the Lincoln County Health Department and teaches kick boxing and aerobics at the Lincoln YMCA. She says that you never know how the disease will affect its victims. “It’s such an unpredictable disease.” The Lincolnton MS Walk will be April 13 at 9 a.m. beginning at Betty G. Ross Park. The five-mile course will be much like the March of Dimes walk, winding through the streets of downtown Lincolnton. Bumgarner says the walk will be accessible by scooter and wheelchair. Teams of four or more people may get forms from locations around the community and at the health department. Bumgarner’s coworkers have already formed a team to participate. She says she feels fortunate for all the support she has received. “I’ve been very blessed.” And she hopes the community do the same for all those with MS. “I just hope we get a lot of support because there are so many people in Lincolnton,” she says. “It’s real important to get money for research.” ————— Anyone who wishes to volunteer for a planning committee, make a donation or form a team can call Belinda Bumgarner at 704-736-8624.
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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News |
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