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Walk to cure multiple sclerosis

on May 5

Walkers, volunteers and friends will come together on Saturday, May 5 for the Upstate New York Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's annual MS Walk in downtown Buffalo.

All are invited to join walkers as they walk their way closer to a cure for multiple sclerosis at the 2007 MS Walk, championed by Christopher & Banks and presented by New York Central Mutual Insurance & First Niagara.

Participants will walk from Dunn Tire Park through the city and along the waterfront to help the National MS Society in its mission to end the effects of multiple sclerosis.

Check-in begins at 9 a.m., and the walk steps off at 10 a.m. The Buffalo location has one-mile and three-mile route options and a five-mile option featuring two rest stops.

Refreshments will be available at the start, along the route, and at the finish of the event. Entertainment will also be provided throughout the day.

Each spring, more than 11,000 participants at 21 locations across Upstate New York participate in the MS Walk. Last year, chapters in each of the 50 states contributed to the $47 million dollars raised to help the National MS Society continue its programs, research, and professional education.

The goal for the Upstate New York Chapter's 2007 MS Walk is to raise $1.4 million dollars.

Those who want to help achieve the goal can register to participate at their nearest MS Walk location. The Buffalo location is expected to have 1,500 walkers who will raise $175,000.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic unpredictable neurological disease.

Since its founding in 1946, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has been the leading provider of programs for people with MS, their families and friends, and continues to encourage research necessary to help find a cure.

The Upstate New York Chapter provides programs and services to 12,000 people and their families living with MS in 50 counties across the state.

For more information, to register as a participant, or to volunteer for the 2007 MS Walk, please call 1-800-FIGHT-MS or visit www.msupstateny.org. Information session

offered for those at risk for diabetes

Those who are overweight, over 40 or have a family history of diabetes may be at risk for the disease.

Diabetes educators have planned information sessions that will address the disease process, risk reduction strategies, meal planning and exercise.

The sessions will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 29 in the basement conference room at the Martian Professional Center, 515 Abbott Road, Buffalo; from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 17 at St. Joseph Hospital, 2605 Harlem Road, Cheektowaga; and from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 18 at the Kenmore Mercy Hospital, 2950 Elmwood Ave., Kenmore.

Registration is required, and spaces are limited. For more information, call the Catholic Health System at 447-6205.