May 2, 2008

University of Illinois offensive lineman Ryan McDonald, his brother, David (who is a sophomore at Illinois), and a approximately eight of his Illini teammates will participate in the community's annual M.S. Walk, at 1:30 p.m., Sunday at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana (corner of Windsor Rd. and Race St.).

The M.S. Walk raises money and awareness for the crippling disease of multiple sclerosis, a disease that affects the McDonald family in a large way. Ryan and David's mother, Jan, suffers from M.S. and has for the past 15 years.

"My mom used to be athletic when she was younger," Ryan said. "She was a lifeguard and an avid tennis player. However, MS changed that. Although the cause is unknown, MS is a disease where the body attacks its own nervous system. It progresses through relapses and remissions, with no pattern to the duration or severity of each stage. Some major symptoms of include extreme sensitivity to heat, a loss of balance, splitting headaches, and a loss of motor skills.

"As I have grown older I have witnessed my mom slowly become less mobile, and less able to do the things she loves. She suffers specifically from heat sensitivity and foot drop, and its subsequent challenges with walking and balance. Despite her struggles, she continues to love and support me. She and my dad drive to nearly every Illinois football game and have never missed a home game in my career."

The McDonald brothers and Illini teammates have raised over $1000 for the cause and will be walking to show support for those community members who give of themselves to provide assistance for MS sufferers and continue to search for the cure.