VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.

Hundreds of residents gathered Saturday afternoon at the ODU Virginia Beach Higher Education Center for the annual Walk MS event, transforming the campus into a hub of advocacy, remembrance, and community support.

Organized by the National MS Society, the event is part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness and funding for those affected by multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease of the central nervous system.

Community Turns Out in Force

Participants began arriving before noon, many dressed in purple shirts and walking alongside friends, family members, and coworkers. Teams held signs and wore coordinated outfits, representing loved ones living with MS or honoring those they’ve lost.

An opening ceremony at 12:45 p.m. brought the crowd together, highlighting the purpose behind the event before walkers set off shortly after 1 p.m. on designated one- and three-mile routes around the campus.

Personal Connections Drive Participation

For many in attendance, the walk was more than a fundraiser.

Participants carried stories that underscored the importance of the event some living with MS themselves, others supporting spouses, parents, or friends navigating the disease.

A central feature of the event, known as the “Circle of Support,” visually represented those connections. Attendees selected colored markers to identify their relationship to MS, creating a display that reflected the wide-reaching impact of the condition.

Volunteers and Support Services on Site

Volunteers staffed check-in areas, hydration stations, and route markers, helping ensure the event ran smoothly. Support tents and informational booths provided resources for attendees seeking more information about MS programs and services.

Organizers emphasized that funds raised through events like Walk MS directly support research efforts, treatment advancements, and community-based assistance programs.

Raising Awareness Beyond the Walk

Multiple sclerosis affects nearly one million people in the United States, according to the National MS Society. Symptoms can vary widely, often including fatigue, mobility challenges, and cognitive changes.

Events like Saturday’s walk aim not only to generate funding but also to increase public understanding of the disease and build a sense of solidarity among those affected.

Looking Ahead

As participants crossed the finish line and gathered with their teams, organizers said the impact of the event would extend well beyond the day itself.

With continued community involvement, efforts like Walk MS remain a key driver in the push toward better treatments and ultimately, a cure.

A personal Reason to Walk

For me, this event carried a deeply personal meaning.

I attended Saturday’s Walk MS in support of my friend, Regina, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis two years ago. Since her diagnosis, I’ve watched her face the challenges of MS with strength, resilience, and determination qualities that were reflected in so many people walking that day.

Being there wasn’t just about raising awareness or funds. It was about showing up for her, standing beside her journey, and being part of a community that refuses to let anyone face MS alone.

As the walk came to an end, one thing felt certain: this wasn’t just an event it was a reminder of why support matters, and why we keep walking.