Walk MS Fundraising Events To Be ‘Virtual Experience’ in 2021

Due to the ongoing COVID-19-associated restrictions, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is inviting supporters of its Walk MS events to connect, celebrate, and fundraise for the fight against multiple sclerosis (MS) through a virtual platform.

“The National MS Society creates Walk MS celebrations in every state so participants can fundraise, celebrate and feel a sense of community,” Cindy Yomantas, assistant vice president of Walk MS Event Experience, and Liza Zeller, project manager for these events, said in a press release.

“This year, we were determined to not let COVID-19 stop participants from having that connection,” they added.

This year, a total of 353 virtual Walk MS events will be powered by 6Connex, a global platform for virtual and hybrid events, through its Soar virtual event solution.

The technology allows the creation of a holistic virtual experience for participants, with fully customized virtual environments.

In this way, walk attendees will be given a new and engaging way to participate in their walks, the society reported, with 6Connex’s Soar technology allowing the creation of a virtual but familiar park environment. During the walks, the virtual environment also provides accessible information about MS.

“By utilizing 6Connex’s virtual platform, we were able to create unique interactive experiences that mimic what attendees would have been able to participate in in-person,” Yomantas and Zeller said, adding that “the 6Connex team successfully captured the essence of what it feels like to be at Walk MS.”

Walk events by area and date, as well as link for donations to support a team or individual, can be found here.

“Working with the National MS Society team to create an event where participants around the nation felt interconnected and familiarity has been a special experience,” said Ruben Castaño, 6Connex’s CEO. “We’re proud to help an organization continue their work in raising awareness for MS.”

Walk MS events focus on raising funds and MS awareness to end the neurodegenerative disorder. In pre-COVID years, these events involved 330,000 people each year, making it the largest gathering of people supporting MS awareness.

The virtual Walk MS events will be accessible on the society’s social media and online platforms, allowing participants to experience Walk MS whenever it is most convenient. Walkers are asked to share their experiences on their social media platforms, using the hashtag #walkMS.

“This year, Walk MS will meet you where you are to connect, celebrate and make a difference like never before,” the society stated on its webpage. “While we will not gather in person in 2021, you can still end MS,  your way. All routes will come together to end MS through powerful online tools and exciting events.”

Last year’s walk collectively raised more than $24 million “to change the world for everyone affected by this disease,” the National MS Society reported.