What is MS?
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the central nervous system. The myelin sheaths that protect nerves in the brain and spinal cord start to break down, disrupting communication signals. Symptoms are different for every person with the disease. They can range from fatigue to blindness to impaired walking ability. MS has no cure, but we're working to change that.
How We Fight MS
Since 2009, over 80 elementary school through college students have participated in Miles of Scarves. We knit scarves, hats, and other items to sell at craft fairs, MS Society events, and other venues. The funds we raise go directly to the National MS Society. Every year we:
- sponsor and volunteer at a rest stop on BikeMS: Colonial Crossroads
- give a $2,000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior who has MS or a parent with MS
- volunteer at MS Society events
- give holiday gifts to a family affected by MS
- donate to MS research projects at Virginia Commonwealth University
- host the Yarn Ball, a silent auction and cocktail party where we raise money for research
History of Miles of Scarves
When Meredith Polk was ten years old, she read an article about a group of people knitting the world’s longest scarf to raise money for charity. Since Meredith knew how to knit, she taught some of her friends, and they set a goal to raise $1,500 to sponsor a rest stop on Bike MS. That one idea has grown into Miles of Scarves, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to finding a cure for MS.
Miles of Scarves fosters a sense of community, sparks interest in all aspects of nonprofit work, and helps young people develop business skills.
Miles of Scarves fosters a sense of community, sparks interest in all aspects of nonprofit work, and helps young people develop business skills.
Special thanks to our 2018 Yarn Ball Scarf Sponsors!
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Midas of Richmond
John Polk & Associates Paul da Cunha Dentistry Beth & Chris Paramore |
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