Sept. 11, 2003

FAIRFAX, Va. - Approximately 24 members of George Mason University's women's lacrosse team took time out of their busy classroom and practice schedule this past weekend, Sept. 5-7, to volunteer their support for the first annual Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Challenge Walk, an event organized by the DC-MD chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The 50-mile walk from Navy Stadium in Annapolis, MD to the west lawn of the Capitol in Washington, DC was split up into three days - Friday, Saturday and Sunday - and had more than 800 participants.

"The event raised roughly $1.4 million for MS, which is great since this was the first time it was held in our area" said Kristy Manas (Harwood, MD/Southern), a junior attacker on the Mason women's lacrosse team. "Personally, it was one of the best things I've ever done in my life. Volunteering... just helping out people in need gave me such a great feeling. It was good to see the team support and rally around the walkers."

MS Challenge Walks have occurred in other areas in the United States in recent years, but this was the first time the event was held in the Washington, DC-Maryland area. Through this 3-day, 50-mile event, participants raise money for vital research and programming dedicated to finding a cure-and aiding those who live with MS.

"As volunteers we were positioned at various stages of the walk on each day," said Manas. "We encouraged the walkers to keep going and provided water and other assistance. At the end of the day, we helped carry the participants' luggage and served food. Every time any one on the team asked to help, the faces of the walkers lit up with a smile. They were so appreciative of the work we did for them."

"It was really rewarding and fulfilling to be a part of the MS Challenge Walk," said Patriot head coach Amy Umbach. "We hope to be a part of it next year. It was a great experience."

For more information on MS and the MS Challenge Walk, please visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website at http://www.nationalmssociety.org.