Estrella Mitrani and Doug Bonds, co-chairs of the National MS Society Aventura Walk, are pleased to announce $100,000 raised and more than 500 participants in the Aventura Walk this past March. MS Walk is a signature fundraising event for the organization which raises funds to support MS research and provide services to individuals living with MS.
Participants enjoyed light breakfast with coffee and juice sponsored by The Original Pancake House prior to the 9 a.m. start. A group warm-up was held 15 minutes before the UAIC MS Walk kick off. Another new addition to the MS Walk was the Orange and Proud tent, sponsored by MIA Shoes. With an accessible walk site and a familyfriendly atmosphere, the UAIC MS Walk drew people of all ages. In addition to the five mile route, the event featured snackfilled rest stops, live entertainment and fun festivities for everyone.
Bonds was exposed to MS at an early age when one of his friend’s mother was diagnosed. He is a co-captain for Team Williams Island, named for a private community in Aventura that has many residents affected by this disease. “I walk for many of my friends facing this battle every day, and I won’t stop until there is a cure,” said Bonds.
Mitrani started volunteering with the MS Society nearly 20 years ago when her sister was diagnosed, and has continued to do so when another family member was recently diagnosed. “There was nothing in Aventura then and I became involved and wanted to fight. I still do and there have been amazing results from the money we raised at these walks,” she said.
For more information, visit www.mswalksouthflorida.org, call 1-800- FIGHT-MS or email mswalk@fls.nmss.org.
