An opportunity to support
a magnificent cause.
A chance to meet good
people at their best.
A great weekend out.
Wonderful.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter 2002 Challenge Walk was a three-day, 50-mile walk which raised substantial income for programs for clients of the Minnesota MS Society, the first effort of its type in Minnesota. Walkers started from Stillwater, Minnesota, after a pre-dawn pep talk and rally, September 28, 2002, and finished at the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis, over 50 miles later, September 30. The first two days were dreary, wet and chilly, with thunderstorms drenching some walkers. The third day turned gloriously sunny, then uncomfortably warm and humid. A stringent six-month training syllabus helped walkers prepare for the test, but their own courage, humor and dedication saw them through.
Not hist’ry, and not news
this subjective viewing shows just what we all saw through one heart and soul. A moving transforming
Thank you.
|
Early walkers purposefully stride through the first lunch
stop.
|
Twenty miles hard walking
behind us at last wet, cold and bone weary now where are our things? Found bags seem far heavier
Love permeates all.
|
A few of the hundreds of walkers wearily search for their
belongings at the first overnight stop.
|
Arrivals span hours
that first overnight. A thunderstorm soaked some and fatigue threatened all. But the Center is refuge
|
|
Camped out on a gym floor, new friends all around reading and laughing and praying and resting, our common cause joins us
with joy.
|
A few of the walkers prepare for the night. Others camped
in tents, in the cold and the rain.
|
Maureen spoke and inspired us
to laughter and tears. Then Greg and Amanda enthralled us with cheers. These people around us
Cheers!
|
Amanda and Greg lead truly inspiring cheers.
|
Half-way through Day Two, our mission much done, we walk for our fellows, still care for ourselves. The window reflects
Our spirits prevail.
|
A rare chance to repair.
|
A knight in black leather,
imposing and stern, he beams his bright smile on all whom he meets. The escorts helped manage
Curt.
|
With another crew member and a walker.
|
A smile and a kind word
for all whom she sees. Her shoulder just broken, and pregnant six months, a beautiful woman,
Jennifer.
|
On the shoe truck.
|
Bending and stooping
and twisting and lifting to help tired walkers to find their own bags. Then running and smiling,
Jennifer!
|
Bending for bags.
|
All statures, all ages,
walked straight from our hearts. Our goal to raise mind share and cash for a cure. Each foot ‘fore the last one,
Vicki.
|
At the second day lunch stop.
|
A banner from people
who care what we do – Achievers and staffers all cheering us on. Some signed with a great swash,
Thank you!
|
MS Achievement Center / Society staff banner.
|
We each hold a candle
we lit from a source, a walker beside us – a soul with MS. We speak and we listen
… then thunder and lightning
|
Twilight candlelight ceremony, before predicted rains
came.
|
When early on Day 3 the sun warmly breaks through; adds life and new color to a world which was gray. Our spirits thus lifted,
Let there be Light!
|
"Fiat Lux" ("Let there be Light")... finally, on the
|
No pictures from Plymouth,
he’d gone there to shoot. But walkers were worried, he just cruised the street. Not looking for trouble,
No need.
|
|
O’er filling the bike lane and spilled in to the street the walkers inspire stunned awe and respect. Red shirts on the leaders
Euphoria!
|
Approaching downtown, walkers appear around
|
Camaraderie!
|
Determination...
|
Downtown, approaching the goal...
|
Up the ramp to the Dome.
|
The “Challenge completed” we met at the Dome to love one another and cheer our quest done. Through tears, cheers, embraces,
Salut!
|
Congratulations, awards, satisfaction...
|
After we finished we lingered and relished a moment to ponder just what we had done. Our pledges will help fund
Thank God.
|
Photographing finishers.
|
Congratulating...
|
Relief, for a major project well-completed. |
An incredible adventure!