BUDE — Walkers are gearing up and getting ready to hit the roadfor a great cause Saturday.

The second annual Multiple Sclerosis Walk, which begins withregistration at 8 a.m. and the walk at 9 a.m., will help furtherresearch efforts to find a cure for the central nervous systemdisease.

This year’s event already promises to bring in more funds thanthe town’s first ever walk, which raised community awareness andaround $7,000, considered an impressive total for a first-timeevent.

“We’ve already had probably 120 people register and we’reexpecting around 150 for the walk, so it’s been going very well sofar,” said Rhonda Terrell, who is chairman of walk, along withmembers of the Homochitto Heritage Club.

Last year’s walk encouraged almost 100 walkers to join in thefight against the chronic, often disabling disease that can havesymptoms ranging from numbness in arms and legs to severe paralysisto slurred speech to loss of vision.

Medical research, thus far, has not been able to determine thecause of MS, nor have they found a cure. Terrell hopes the walkdonations will help further MS research.

Her fight against the disease had special significance becauseof her first-hand experience with its affects.

“My husband and my mother both have MS, so it’s special becauseit hits close to home,” said Terrell.

Her energetic efforts have spread throughout Franklin Countyresulting in a large interest in the walk and a number of donationsfor door prizes to make the three and a half mile walk fun forall.

“We’ve had great support from local business and individuals,”said Terrell. “We’ve got lots of door prizes, ranging from candlesto a double strand of floater pearls.”

Awards will also be given to the team that raises the mostmoney, the individual that raises the most money and the team withthe most walkers, she added.

Terrell encourages everyone in the area to head to Bude BaptistChurch in the morning and participate in the exciting event.

“It’s not too late to register. Teams can still be formed,” shesaid.

She believes the walk will have plenty of opportunities forparticipants to have an enjoyable time and start their day offeeling good.

“We’ll have breakfast there, along with refreshments before andafter the walk,” said Terrell. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”