Walk to raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis held at World’s Fair Park

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Multiple Sclerosis impacts almost two million people worldwide.

MS Walks are held across the country to raise money for research into the deadly disease, including on Saturday in Knoxville.

The disease impacts your central nervous system, taking over the brain, spinal cord and your eyes. It carries an average lifespan of 25 to 35 years after diagnosis.

MS patient Daniel Pendley spends his time traveling to different walks to spread awareness, and he said the disease started in his eyes and moved to his spinal cord.

Now, Pendley must use a wheelchair to get around because it’s difficult for him to move his feet.

He said going to walks, like the one hosted at World’s Fair Park on Saturday, help motivate him to keep fighting.

“Events like this definitely are very encouraging to be able to be a part of, and also, my company has matched all their employee donations. That makes me feel pretty special and motivated to keep going,” Pendley said.

Pendley participates in a Knoxville program called Catalyst Sports, which provides adaptive sports for people with physical disabilities.

Currently, Catalyst Sports offers rock climbing, mountain biking and kayaking.

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