Teen forms group to fight against Multiple Sclerosis

Fourteen years ago, School of Journalism recorder Jean Parsons went blind in her left eye. In 2000, doctors diagnosed her with Multiple Sclerosis.\n"When they first told me, I was upset," Parsons said. "I didn't know much about it."\nCurrently there is no cure for MS, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends treatment with a "disease-modifying" drug. The drug lessens the frequency and severity of attacks, reduces damages to the brain and may slow the progression of disability.\n"They've come such a long way for treatment," Parsons said. "I've accepted it."\nBut Parsons' 16-year-old nephew, Mitch Drake, isn't going to sit around and wait for a cure.\nDrake has formed an organization called Fight to Cure Multiple Sclerosis. The group is composed of teens interested in working to help find a cure for the disease. The group has organized a 5K walk for Nov. 1 from 1-3 p.m. at First Assembly of God in Bedford, Ind. The registration dates are Saturday at Bedford's Wal-Mart and Oct. 25 at Bedford's Goody's.\n"I feel like everyone should become involved in their communities, and this is my way of doing so," Drake said.\nAccording to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website, MS attacks a person's healthy immune system, causing anything from slurred speech to paralysis. It's a chronic, unpredictable disease which affects the central nervous system. Drake said his aunt has inspired him to create the organization to fight MS. All proceeds from the fundraising will benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.\nThis is FCMS' first walk and the group plans to advertise through word-of-mouth, newspaper and radio.\n"Any turnout would be great, but more important is to get the word out and encourage people to become more financially involved," Drake said.\nEugenia Robinson, Drake's English teacher at Bedford North Lawrence, was diagnosed with MS May 2002.\n"Forcing myself to slow down and occasionally say, 'No, I can't do that,' has been very hard," Robinson said.\nShe has taught English for 25 years, and enjoys Drake's presence in the classroom.\n"Mitch is just a great kid," Robinson said. "He's the kind of kid you love to write a college recommendation for."\nThe fund-raiser is gaining encouragement from the community. Some high school band members plan to "march" in the walk. Even though Parsons uses a wheelchair, she intends on supporting the walk.\n"I'm planning on rolling," Parsons said.\n-Contact staff writer Jessica Levco at jlevco@indiana.edu.