May 16, 2002
TEMPE, Ariz.-- Arizona State University head football coach Dirk Koetter has been named as the Honorary Chairman of The National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Desert Southwest Chapter's Walk On The Wild Side for 2003. It marks the second consecutive year that Koetter will serve in that capacity for the charity.
"We are very excited to have Coach Koetter sign on as our 2003 MS Walk On The Wild Side Honorary Chair," said Allen Gjersvig, President of the Desert Southwest Chapter of the National MS Society. "Our MS Walk, scheduled for Spring of 2003, is the second largest fundraising project for the chapter, and with coach Koetter's leadership, we hope to increase participation and awareness."
" I am extremely proud to be a part of this effort against Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that hits close to home with me," Koetter said. "I was flattered to be asked to serve as the Honorary Chair of the 2002 Walk On The Wild Side and will cherish the responsibility once again in 2003. Increasing fundraising and raising awareness are key, and I am hopeful that we can accomplish that here."
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. It is devastating because it strikes during the younger adult years and slowly steals physical functioning in unpredictable ways. MS affects nearly a third of a million people in the U.S. Symptoms may be mild such as numbness in the limbs or as severe as paralysis or loss of vision. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, but the unpredictable physical and emotional effects can be lifelong. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are giving hope to those affected by the disease.
The Desert Southwest Chapter provides hope and services to families living with MS throughout Arizona and southern Nevada. Two out of three people who are diagnosed with MS are female. Funds raised are used to support research toward discovery of a cause and cure for MS as well as for local programs that help families living with MS cope with the unpredictable nature of the disease.
The mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis. The Desert Southwest Chapter is located at 315 S. 48th St., Suite 101, Tempe, AZ 85281-2343, 480/968-2488.