Hundreds turn out for Walk MS event at Outer Harbor

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Hundreds of people braved the cool, wet weather on Saturday to provide a brighter future for those living with multiple sclerosis.

Walk MS, which has raised over $1 billion for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's mission to cure the disease, kicked off in a new location this year at the Outer Harbor. 

Mike Calandra, who was diagnosed with MS six years ago when he was 24, was honored this year.

"I definitely feel blessed," Calandra said. "There's a lot of people that are here that have MS that would make great honorees as well. I don't take it lightly that they chose me and I feel very fortunate."

It was Kimberly Zackey's 10th year participating after she was diagnosed in 2012.

"Since there's so many things with MS that are out of my control, I thought fundraising efforts and bringing people together for this cause is something that we can do," Zackey said. "Just like with MS, ups and downs -- some days it's sunny, some days it's rainy. But we're all here and I appreciate everyone coming out and being together."

Organizers said Walk MS is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which has funded the research behind every major breakthrough in treating the disease of the central nervous system. 

"I always use this as an opportunity to put out there all about MS, what it is, what we can do about it and not to hide behind the diagnosis, but celebrate it and know that we're all going to be OK if we work together," Zackey said.

Western New York has a very high rate of MS. The event provides community and hope for those affected by the disease.

"Any disease, but maybe MS especially, can be a little isolating, so to come here and have this community camaraderie with people that love and want to help you makes all the difference," said Andy Yates, president of the Upstate Chapter of the National MS Society.

"It's empowering. It shows me in my own life that I'm capable of anything," said Sarah Nicoletti, who was walking in support of her friend. "If these people can overcome this, they're like leaders to me."

WIVB News 4 has been a longtime supporter of Walk MS and after 37 years of being emcee, Jacquie Walker told the crowd this is her final year in that role. She introduced Marlee Tuskes as the emcee of Walk MS 2026.