Frederick, MD – Regent Education, the leading provider of financial aid management software solutions for higher education institutions, took to the streets on April 22 to walk it out for donations towards the research of multiple sclerosis (MS). Regent employees and family members took part in this admirable event. While this may be just one small step, Regent sees this walk as a grand opportunity to raise funding to help the estimated 300,000 people in the United States, and 1,000,000 worldwide who suffer from MS.
“None of us are guaranteed our tomorrows with or without MS. I try to focus on today and what I can do to make a difference,” said Carol Thomas from Walkersville, MD. “My biggest challenge was facing the fact that I can no longer do many of the activities I have enjoyed for years. Some days I may not be able to accomplish everything on my list and it is ok to rest. At times my disability is hidden so people are confused because I ‘don’t look sick’. The love, support, and assistance of my family have made all the difference.”
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, and the connective nerve fibers. In MS, the protective tissue that surrounds the nerve fibers can break leaving damaged areas know as plaques or lesions and occasionally can be damaged to the point of being compromised. When nerve fiber is damaged or destroyed, the ability of the nerves to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain is disrupted and produces the various symptoms of MS. While there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved medications that have been shown to “modify” or slow down the underlying cause of MS.
“Regent is committed to not only our customers and business partners, but also to the community in which we reside and conduct business,” said Michael Ratti, Regent’s CEO. “The walk is an extraordinary family event for all ages. Regent strongly supports and encourages its workers to become involved in community outreach programs. We are proud to have participated in raising awareness of and funding for MS and look forward to next years walk.”