MS Walk hits home for woman

MS Walk hits home for woman

When more than 20 residents and staff members of the Meadowood at Worcester retirement community participate in Walk MS on Sunday at North Penn High School, one of them will ride rather than walk. She is Sherry Leonhardt, admissions coordinator for the Meadowood Health Center, who was diagnosed with MS 16 years ago.

While Leonhardt will ride a scooter when walkers make the 5.5-mile trek through the Lansdale area, she gives daily testimony that those with MS can live active, productive lives. And she is spearheading Meadowood's fund-raising to advance MS research and help people who struggle to meet the cost of coping with the disease.

Those interested in joining the North Penn walk may register by phone AT (800) 883-WALK), online AT www.walk4ms.org or at North Penn High School beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday.

The walk will start at 10 a.m. The minimum donation to take part is $25 for walkers 12 and older. Breakfast and lunch are included.

Meadowood, as a corporate sponsor of the walk that strives "to create a world free of MS," will set up a table Sunday at the first rest stop for walkers at the Towamencin community pool. Free towels will be available. Meadowood took the early lead among corporate teams in fund-raising with more than $2,000 in donations.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society uses funds raised by walks throughout the country to improve the daily lives of patients, assist caregivers, provide financial assistance and health services and conduct educational programs.

Leonhardt received a college degree in culinary arts but had to change careers at age 29 when she was diagnosed with MS. She took a job in long-term care 13 years ago and joined the Meadowood staff nine years ago.