By JORDAN GREEN, Editor-in-Chief
She’s raised more than $50,000 for multiple sclerosis research in places across Oklahoma, and her alma mater is the next spot on her map.
Northwestern alumna and former assistant professor Elda Jones, who has multiple sclerosis, is coordinating Northwestern’s first “Walk MS: Your Way” event to raise funds for research into the chronic disease. She’s organized the walk with the assistance of Olivia Yandel, the director of the J.R. Holder Wellness Center at Northwestern.
“I hope we can have a good time,” Jones said.
The walk will begin at the Wellness Center at 8 a.m. Saturday, and students and community members are encouraged to participate.
Participants can walk individually or as a group, and they can register a team at the Wellness Center.
Participation in the race is free, and registration before the event is optional. Donations are accepted.
Prospective walkers can sign up by visiting www.walkms.org. Participants are encouraged to wear orange clothing, which represents MS awareness.
Walkers will start at the Wellness Center and proceed to Share Medical Center, where water and refreshments will be available, Jones said. After looping around the horseshoe-shaped intersection, walkers will return to the Wellness Center.
The walk is less than 2 miles long.
WHAT IS MS?
Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system. It destroys myelin, a substance that protects nerve fibers. MS symptoms can vary from person to person, with patients experiencing partial remission for certain periods of time, followed by flare-ups.
More than 2 million people around the world have MS, which often causes vision problems, paralysis and other health issues, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. More than 350 projects to find a cure for the disease and help alleviate patients’ symptoms are ongoing worldwide.
JONES’ MS JOURNEY
Jones, who uses a wheelchair and does not have use of her legs, describes her life this way: “I have a disability, but I’m not disabled.”
Jones, a former assistant professor of health and physical education, was diagnosed with MS in 1993. She obtained both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Northwestern, and she became the first female physical educator at Laverne Public Schools.
She retired from Northwestern in 1999 because of the disease, but she didn’t stop teaching. She later served as the coordinator of a recreational program for elementary school students at Christian Church of the Covenant. Using verbal instructions and her arms, she taught students how to dance, even though she remained in a wheelchair.
“I can still teach even though I can’t do,” she said in a 2008 Enid News & Eagle story about her work with the program.
She’s served as a coordinator with numerous Walk MS events across Oklahoma. Jones has raised more than $50,000 for MS research through walks and bike rides in Enid, Norman and other cities in Oklahoma. Using a bicycle she pedals with her hands, she’s even participated in the events, riding 10 miles during an event in 2016.
“I’m really proud of that,” Jones said of her fundraising efforts.
Several of Jones’ classmates, family members and friends have supported her by participating in MS walks, bike-rides and other events in Jones’ honor.
Jones said the Saturday walk means a lot to her.
“It has provided me and others the motivation to continue the research that they have,” Jones said.
She’s also grateful for Yandel’s support and enthusiasm, she said.
“I’m really thankful that, here at the university, that Olivia is wanting to do something like this,” Jones said.
Jones says she’s determined to enjoy her life — and she won’t let MS stop her.
“I’m going to die with MS, but not because of MS,” she said. “MS messed with the wrong lady.”