Walk Grand Rapids

Friends,

I am writing a second post today to welcome any new comers to the Walk Grand Rapids blog. This blog chronicles my attempts to raise money for the MS Society, most recently, by walking the length of every street in Grand Rapids.

So far, I have walked more than 250 miles of Grand Rapids streets to raise money for those living with MS. By the Grand Rapids City website, I have roughly 350 more miles to go. I have, in the past two years, walked 100 miles of streets each year. This year, I will cross the half way point to 300 miles.

This goal has been bigger and better than I imagined. At first I thought I would try it and share my progress with friends and family. Both the fundraising and walking has been fantastic. This year it is time to share with more people.

For longtime supporters, the blog address has changed to walkinggrandrapids.blogspot.com. I have moved all of my previous fundraising blog posts as well to this new site, so you can still find information on my previous head shaving and other fun.

Donating is as easy as ever. Just click the Donate link to go to the MS Society's donation site. I am registered as a Virtual Rider for the Michigan Chapter's Bike MS fundraiser.

Why am I a "Virtual Rider"? This all started a few years back when my friend Steve asked for help with his 20th year riding for Bike MS. I love riding my bike, but I am the kind of rider that can not ride 150 miles in two days (read - lazy). I said I would shave my head at the finish line of the Bike MS event to help raise money for Steve and his team. The response was amazing, partly because my hair was 33 inches long. That stunt only really worked for three years.

After hearing about a Philadelphian woman that walked every street in her city, I decided, though I could not ride 150 miles in two days, I could walk 100 miles each year, covering every street in Grand Rapids, my hometown. Here I am now 250+ miles later and loving every minute of it.

So, please take some time to find out about MS and how you can help. There are links to more information on the right, or dig in to this blog for some information. If donating money is not in the cards this year, please tell someone else about this blog and how they can help the MS Society.

Thanks and God Bless.