The 8,000 orange flags planted in a “Ring of Hope” at Limestone College for a 50-mile MS Challenge Walk in June represented each person living with multiple sclerosis in South Carolina and western North Carolina. The Mid-Atlantic chapter of the National MS Society celebrated the 10th year anniversary of its MS Challenge Walk held to raise money for people diagnosed with the chronic, disabling disease. Walkers raised more than $300,000 in one weekend at Limestone College in June to help people suffering from the effects of multiple sclerosis.

A total of 115 walkers from 19 states participated in a 3-day, 50-mile challenge walk June 4-6 at Limestone College to help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Carolinas. The fundraiser earned $305,000, exceeding the goal of $300,000 set by the Mid- Atlantic Chapter of the National MS Society.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, disabling disease which affects movement. Most people develop the disease between the ages of 20 and 50.

The Mid-Atlantic Chapter serves more than 7,800 people living with multiple sclerosis and their families in western North Carolina and South Carolina.

“We loved being at Limestone College. The challenge walk has exceeded our expectations,“ said Kristyn Edwards, marketing and communications cordinator for the Mid-Atlantic Chapter. “There is an incredible support system in the Cherokee County community. This has allowed the event to continue to grow and help provide more services for multiple sclerosis.”

The Mid-Atlantic Chapter was the first to pilot the challenge walk fundraiser. This year’s event was the 10th.

Walkers commit to raising a minimum of $1,500 and then walk 50 miles during the 3-day event. The proceeds help support research initiatives nationally and provide services on the local level to improve the quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis.

It costs more than $57,000 to treat a person with multiple sclerosis for one year.

For example, the Federal Drug Administration recently approved oral therapy as a new treatment for multiple sclerosis. Many people receive regular injections to control their symptoms.

“We hope this new treatment will be available in a year or so,” Edwards said.

Limestone was one of nine places nationally where challenge walks were held by the National MS Society.

The Mid-Atlantic Chapter has decided to hold the 2011 event in March in Charleston. Edwards said the chapter typically moves the fundraiser to a new location every two years and decided to move the walk earlier in the calendar year.

“Many walkers suffered from heat-related sickness during this year’s challenge walk,” Edwards said. “It’s hard enough to walk 50 miles in three days. When you added in the 90-degree weather, it was a little too much for people.”