Naperville Resident Brian Ledebuhr to Participate in Walk MS, May 4

Annual Walk Raises Money for Research and Support of People Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Naperville, Ill., April 7, 2014 — Brian Ledebuhr first participated in Walk MS, the largest annual fundraiser of the National MS Society, Greater Illinois Chapter, 16 years ago, and on Sunday, May 4, he will keep his tradition alive at the West Suburbs Walk at Centennial Park, Grand Pavilion, in Naperville (W. Jefferson Ave. VFW Drive). Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., and the Walk begins at 9 a.m. The West Suburbs Walk — one of 11 Walk MS events statewide — brings people together to celebrate the progress and powerful connections made in the movement to end MS and to raise funds for critical MS research, programs and services.

Ledebuhr is no stranger to MS. His mother, Margaret, has lived with the disease for nearly 25 years, and his good friend John was recently diagnosed in early 2013. He also serves on the Greater Illinois Chapter’s Board of Trustees, allowing him the opportunity to support those living with MS and their families and to join the other dedicated individuals focused on finding a cure.

“I’ve had a range of experiences with MS,” said Ledebuhr. “While it has certainly been a challenge to watch a relative live with this disease, it has also been quite inspirational to watch my mom, among others, fight so hard and in so many different ways.”

Despite its difficulties, his mother’s MS diagnosis has given him an even greater appreciation of the positive memories that they share. He celebrates the special moments even more because of the uncertainty that comes with MS, not knowing which milestones she’ll be capable of experiencing with him.

“My most unforgettable experience is when I had the honor of dancing with my mom during the mother-son dance at my wedding,” recalled Ledebuhr. “Given her health, this was an experience I wasn’t sure would happen.”

After so many years of Walk MS events, Ledebuhr is coming full circle. He moved from Chicago late last year, and for the first time since organizing a team in high school 16 years ago, he’ll be back in Naperville for Walk MS. He will lead his team — Team Margaret — as they join thousands of participants statewide and hundreds in the West Suburbs for Walk MS 2014. Together they hope to raise money and awareness that will bring them closer to their goal of a world free of MS.

“I most appreciate joining my family and friends in honoring my mom, her strength and the strength of all those who battle this disease every day,” said Ledebuhr of Walk MS.

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Brian Ledebuhr, Walk MS, Add One

Last year, more than 12,000 people participated in Walk MS throughout Illinois, raising over $2.7 million for critical MS research, programs and services.

“I hope for a cure to MS, but in the meantime, I hope those who have MS continue to live their lives to their fullest potential,” said Ledebuhr. “It is that strength that is truly inspirational for everyone involved.”

To find out more about Walk MS 2014 or to register or donate online, contact Samantha Edidin at 312.423.1156 or at samantha.edidin@nmss.org, or visit walkMSillinois.org.

Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease that interrupts the flow of information in the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve. The Greater Illinois Chapter mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of more than 20,000 individuals in Illinois and 2.3 million worldwide affected by MS.

For more information, visit MSillinois.org.

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