Corpus Christi Students Walk for MS Research

Every May for the past six years, Amy Strafford, a pre-K teacher at Corpus Christi Elementary School in Hasbrouck Heights, organizes a school-wide fundraising event for multiple sclerosis research.

Last Friday, the school’s entire student body – even the 3- and-4-year-old pre-K students - donned their walking shoes and participated in a symbolic “Walk for MS” through the halls of the school and through the neighborhood to raise awareness for the devastating disease.

“The children are very excited to participate in this walk, even the little ones,” said Strafford, who became involved in fundraising efforts after her brother-in-law Joe Revello was diagnosed more than 10 years ago.

“It’s amazing that this small school raises the money that it does,” Revello said.

To date, Corpus Christi students have raised more than $50,000 in for MS research. This year’s total is not yet determined.

“It’s not only about the money, but it’s teaching the children that they can make a difference,” Strafford said. “It’s all about life lessons, and the values that are part of who we are as Catholics. These are lessons we can bring to the table every day of our lives.”

The annual Walk for MS is one of the school’s biggest fundraisers, she said, noting that the school does not keep any of the funds raised.

Lisa Futterman, development officer for the MS Center at Holy Name Hospital, Teaneck, was on hand for this year’s event.

“For these children and their teachers to care so much, well, I’m personally thrilled,” Futterman said. Holy Name is one of the only certified MS centers in the tri-state area.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system and attacks the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When this covering is damaged, nerve impulses are slowed down or stopped.

Multiple sclerosis affects between 250,000 to 350,000 men and women in the U.S. every year.

Information provided by Angela Daidone for Corpus Christi School.