April Hester and her husband Bernie have been named trail ambassadors for this year’s Palmetto Foundation five hundred mile hike through South Carolina to raise money and awareness for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
On October 1, 2017, a Beaufort city husband and wife team comprised of Bernie and April Hester begin the journey of a lifetime as they embark on a five hundred mile hike on South Carolina’s Palmetto Trail in their fundraising efforts for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Traversing over mountains, trails, cities and roadways, April, who suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS), is hoping that her efforts dubbed the “Finish MS Hike” will bring much-needed awareness to multiple sclerosis and that their goal of raising $100,000 dollars can help and inspire others afflicted with this incurable disease.
It’s important to note that April is not alone. Hers is just one of the approximately 200 new cases of multiple sclerosis diagnosed each week, contributing to the more than 400,000 people in the United States and about 2.5 million people around the world living with this disabling neurological condition. While most individuals are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, multiple sclerosis can be developed at any age.
According to Suzette Anderson of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation (PCF), although thousands of individuals hike the Palmetto Trail each year, very few attempt to thru-hike the trail. This valiant effort combined with the debilitating physical effects of multiple sclerosis are a few reasons why April and her husband Bernie have been recognized as Trail Ambassadors by the PCF.
“Bernie and April are an inspiration as they tackle a thru-hike while raising critical awareness for MS. Their personal story will inspire others facing life challenges and is a story of overcoming obstacles,” stated Natalie Cappuccio Britt, Executive Director for PCF. “A thru-hike is always an incredible adventure and is no easy feat. We wish April and Bernie all the best as they take on this new adventure and encourage others to get outside and take a few steps with them for such an important cause.”
For those interested, the couple is encouraging others to donate to their cause and follow them on their adventure. They have established a website www.trailjournals.com/OurPTAdventure and an Instagram @Mule_Inchworm that will allow people to read about their journey and gain insight as they face and conquer challenges. In fact, the couple has already begun providing entries to keep their audience informed.
“While hiking 500 miles would be a challenge for anyone, April will face many physical challenges throughout because MS affects the central nervous system. To complete this will be such an accomplishment and without a doubt, shows the fighter in April and what an inspiration she is, especially to those living with MS,” said Carly Arnold, Coordinator of Fundraising Support for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
She continued, “The fundraising efforts by April and Bernie are incredibly appreciated because every dollar raised will help accelerate breakthroughs that will change lives and end MS forever. Fundraising dollars go toward research for a cure, treatment, therapies, support and resources for those living with MS, and will help those living with MS live their best lives.”
To learn more about April and Bernie Hester’s journey or to donate to this worthwhile cause, please visit http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/OurPTAdventure.
