CHESHIRE, Conn. March is a fitting time for belting out Irish ditties and raising a few pints especially if it’s in support of Cheshire resident Jenifer Walsh and her dedicated walk team, Team Jenifer.

The third annual Team Jenifer Beer Tasting Party, sponsored by Cheshire Wine & Spirits, will be held at St. Bridget’s Parish Center on Friday, March 14, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Admission is $25 per person, which covers food and samples from more than 25 micro brews. Proceeds will benefit "Team Jenifer" and the Travelers Walk MS, which will, for Cheshire, start and finish at the Cheshire High School on Sunday, May 4.

Walsh, 43, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) 10 years ago. Since her initial diagnosis, she and her family have worked tirelessly to inspire friends and relatives to help raise awareness and critically-needed funds to find a cure. In 2007, Walsh, with the support of the entire Cheshire community, established Cheshire Lights of Hope to honor the memory of Jennifer, Hayley and Michaela Petit and raise funds to support the fight against MS. The extraordinary lighting event, held in January, galvanized the city, raising more than $100,000. Last year, Walsh’s walk MS team was ranked among the top five fundraising teams in the state, attracting more than 120 participants and raising nearly $16,000.

More than 6,000 Connecticut residents, like Walsh, live with the effects of multiple sclerosis, a disease affecting the central nervous system. The cause is unknown and there currently is no cure. Funds raised through chapter events, such as the Travelers Walk MS, ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the Connecticut Chapter to residents diagnosed with MS.

"Although the effects of MS can affect everyday activities, those of us battling the unpredictable effects of MS strive to live as normal lives as is possible," said Jenifer Walsh. "We do experience our ups and downs, but most with multiple sclerosis work to remain positive and upbeat. We long for a cure and we believe science is close. Cheshire has truly rallied to show its support for those in the fight against MS. It is with support such as this that we will create a world free of MS."

Last year’s beer tasting event drew more than 400 guests and raised more than $7,000. St. Bridgett’s Parish Center is located at located at 171 Main Str., Cheshire. The tasting will also feature a DJ, drawings for prizes and more. Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting Jenifer Walsh at 203-439-0687 or by e-mail at teamjenifer@aol.com. The Travelers Walk MS will be held at 11 sites across Connecticut on Sunday, May 4, and at a twelfth site, Uconn Storrs, on Sunday, April 13.

To learn more about supporting "Team Jenifer" or establishing a walk team, please contact the Connecticut Chapter at 860-714-WALK. To register for the event, please visit http://www.ctfightsms.org/.  

1/29/08

CUTLINE: Longtime Cheshire resident Jenifer Walsh enjoys a glass of with and a chat with a guest at the 2006 Team Jenifer Beer Tasting Party. Team Jenifer participates in the annual National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter Walk MS event. The team, named in honor Walsh, has been ranked among the state’s top fundraising teams for multiple years. Walsh was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1998.

NOTE TO MEDIA:
For More Information
Contact Karen E. Butler
Vice President, Communications
Phone: 860.714.2300, ext. 230
E-mail: kbutler@ctfightsMS.org
Cell Phone: 860.997.4487