An MS diagnosis doesn't only impact the person diagnosed, but all those who love them. When Jessa and her family signed up for their local Walk MS event, Jessa's two sons, Hayden and Emerson, were inspired to start a fundraiser for their dad, who was diagnosed with MS.
Fundraising allows non-profit organizations like the National MS Society to continue providing resources and support to those impacted by MS. Together, we can end MS. đź’š Learn how you can begin your own fundraiser at the link in our bio.
Last weekend wasn’t just a run of the mill event. It was a powerful reminder that no one faces MS alone. 💚
From the moment Walk MS began to the finish line cheers, the energy and unwavering support was palpable — families crossing the finish line hand-in-hand, teams honoring loved ones, and community showing up in ways that truly matter.
What you pack for your Walk MS event can make a real difference in how the day feels.
Packing event-day essentials with your symptoms in mind can help you stay comfortable and flexible during Walk MS.
You don’t need to carry everything, and you don’t need to pack the same things as anyone else. The goal is to support your body by packing whatever helps you feel your best.
You’re already taking action toward something bigger. Now let’s make every moment count. 💚
Raise $100 before your Walk MS event and earn your official Walk MS t-shirt — a symbol of the impact you’re making for everyone affected by MS.
Every dollar brings us closer to breakthroughs, better support, and a future free of MS. You’re not just fundraising; you’re fueling hope.
To our Walk MS community: you all are incredible. đź’š
This weekend was filled with love and support. And every moment drove progress in our mission to create a world free of MS.
"The Dune Sea Garrison has been participating in the annual Phoenix Walk MS since nearly the time our club was established. This year, we are celebrating our 25th anniversary as a club. Since 2003, we have participated in Walk MS each year. Our participation in Walk MS is the longest-running event we have supported, and we are proud to have supported the MS Society’s annual walk 23 times!
Over the years, the club has raised thousands of dollars to support the MS Society, but we also bring something unique to the event. We show up in Star Wars costumes, adding a fun element for all participants. We are always a popular stop for event attendees looking to take pictures with us and to bring smiles to what can be a very emotional day. We frequently hear people thanking us and saying, “We always look forward to seeing you guys out here with us.”
Most of our members participate in the walk itself. Along the route, we constantly meet walkers eager to talk about Star Wars or learn how we are connected to Walk MS. Some brave souls even tackle the 'long route' each year while dressed in full armor.
While the Dune Sea Garrison is always happy to support organizations like the MS Society, this particular event is especially meaningful for many of our members. Some are connected through family, while others, like long-time member Victoria Rogers, have been directly affected by this terrible disease. Victoria has been dealing with MS since 2006 and has been the rallying champion for our annual participation. While walking at one of the events, she met a medical rep who recommended a new doctor who treated her illness much more effectively. Thankfully, due to research funded by events like this, she has received treatments, and her condition is currently in remission.
Participating in this event every year helps strengthen our bond as a group united by three common passions: Star Wars, helping our community, and finding a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. Thank you for allowing us to participate and contribute. We look forward to many more walks in the years to come." — The Dune Sea Garrison
Imagine being told your life is going to change, and there’s no clear roadmap for what comes next. That’s what MS looks like for so many people. Now imagine knowing that hundreds of people, people you may never meet, came together to support you.
That’s what you just made possible. In just 14 days, this community raised over $2.25 million for critical research and support programs. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU for showing up, for caring and for making this real. Because no one should face MS alone.
Eleanore Kerns started experiencing MS symptoms in 1948, when little was known or understood about the disease. DMTs were still decades away. Her search for a relief took her to Hot Springs, AZ for pills and mineral baths. To restore her eyesight, doctors tried inducing high fevers through painful typhoid shots, a technique used on WWII soldiers.
A former vaudeville dancer who helped support her family through the Great Depression, Eleanore vowed to not let her diagnosis define her potential or limit how she cared for her family and community. She spent hours on the phone each week listening to the fears, sadness and hopes of others living with MS. Realizing she could make a difference, she raised funds to support people living with MS and brought attention to an invisible, misunderstood disease.
A generation later, her daughter June discovered a manuscript of Eleanore's memories, dictated to an assistant over several years before her death in 1962. Eleanore's words are as relevant today as they were 65 years ago. They echo the courage, perseverance and quiet strength of so many women who live with MS — who continue to show up for family and community despite facing daily uncertainties and unseen pain.
We’re in it right now, and what this community is doing is powerful. We’re close to our second $1 million goal.
But we’re not at the finish line yet. And for people living with MS, the need doesn’t slow down. The uncertainty is still there. The questions are still there. The hope for something better is still there.
If you’ve already given this week or last week, thank you — you’re part of something that is truly making a difference. And if you haven’t yet, there’s still time to be part of this moment at the link in bio.
Walk MS continues to bring the momentum! đź’š
Another incredible weekend filled with connection, inspiration, and purpose. This community proves time and time again that when we move together, we move mountains.
More Walks ahead, and we’re just getting started!
This is HUGE!
Because of the incredible effort and dedication from this community, our donor was so inspired that they’ve committed another $125,000 if we reach another $1 million goal by the end of this week.
And we said yes! We’ve seen what happens when this community comes together, and we believe we can do it again. Right now, we have a chance to make even MORE of a difference. Help us cross the next finish line at the link in bio.
