September will mark my eighth participation in the MS Challenge Walk.  The event is a three-day, 50-mile event that raises money for and awareness of multiple sclerosis, which affects my mother.

If you didn't hear about this event last year, it's because, although I made it a part of my annual tradition, I took the year off from fundraising.  But MS doesn't take time off -- it relentlessly exacts its toll on over 400,000 Americans and even more worldwide.  This neurological disorder is progressive: the longer we go without a cure, the worse it will get.  That's why I'm back in 2012, asking for your help to fund support for those affected by MS and, some day, a cure.

Over the years, I've been joined along the route by many friends.  But vastly outnumbering those heroes are the friends I've met along the route.  Every time I meet someone who has MS or a loved one with MS, my heart grieves.  Yet I am also encouraged by the community of people who have chosen to not be passive about this diagnosis.  Year after year, I meet friends, spouses, siblings, parents, children, co-workers, and even strangers who recognize that what affects one of us, affects us all.  I've been honored to come to know these champions and to count them among my friends.  This summer, I have the opportunity to get to know them even better by interviewing them for a weekly podcast.  If you want to hear the stories that motivate us to walk 50 miles, I encourage you to listen to recordings of these interviews online at challengetalk.org.

No donation is too small, as every dollar adds up.  If you can help us achieve a world free from MS, please donate on this page, or send your check to

Ken Gagne

23 Raymond Street

Apt. C

Framingham, MA

01702-6360

I am truly grateful for your support and feel fortunate to be able to walk the paths of Cape Cod for those who cannot.  With your help, I hope this year will not just make up for, but exceed, any fundraising we could've accomplished together last year.