New Bedford Walking for a Cure for Multiple Sclerosis

May 11th will be a busy day at the Fort Rodman-Fort Taber complex in New Bedford's South End.

That's where hundreds of runners and walkers will gather to take part in Walk MS: New Bedford 2024, a fundraising event to raise money to find an end to multiple sclerosis, a terrible disease that attacks to central nervous system.

Sarrah Young, Walk MS Manager, and Tracy Eldridge of Rochester joined Townsquare Sunday to discuss this year's walk.

Get our free mobile app

Young said that for many years this walk was held in Dartmouth, but was moved to New Bedford this year because the event simply became too big.

"We decided to move it to Fort Taber, and that is going to give us indoor and outdoor space to premiere our new event experience which we really excited about," Young said. "We're expecting over 400 walkers this year."

Walk MS New Bedford has a fundraising goal of $70,000 this year and a group called "Team Hero's Walk" is expected to be among the top fundraisers.

The team is led by Tracy Eldridge, a volunteer firefighter whose husband Jeff is the town's Deputy Fire Chief who has been living with MS for 11 years. "Team Hero's Walk" travels the course in full firefighter gear.

"I am a fundraiser by nature," Eldridge said. "When I formed the team nine years ago, I sent out a text message to the entire team suggesting we walk the entire way in full turn-out (firefighter) gear. Someone sent me a message back saying that's not going to be easy."

She responded, "Neither is living with MS."

Runners and walkers will have a choice of either a one-mile or three-mile course. You can register online by visiting WalkMS.org or sign up at the site on the day of the event.

If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.