When Lisa Zeankowski was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) two years ago the Hicksville resident was relieved because, after years misdiagnosis, she finally knew what was wrong and could begin treatment. While knowing what was wrong was a major step in the right direction, the illness still came as a shock to Zeankowski, a single mother of three.

In an effort to educate herself and her kids, Zeankowski decided to obtain as much information about MS as possible and set out to increase awareness about the disease and the fight against it. In doing so, she established an online support group (www.groups.msn.com/leeleesmssupportgroup) to help other's who are either in the process of being diagnosed with MS or who have already been diagnosed with MS and are in need of support, friendship and information.

"[I share] as much knowledge as possible to help them learn how to live better with this disease and help them to learn how to make informed decisions with their physicians and get the treatment needed to keep their MS from progressing," said Zeankowski.

In addition, Zeankowski also formed a team for the Long Island Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's annual MS Walk. Scheduled this year for Sunday, April 18, the 2004 Family Care and Family Aides MS Walk will take place at both Belmont Lake State Park and the Jones Beach Boardwalk. All proceeds from the walk will go towards helping to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis.

"Last year was our first time out and I set a fundraising goal of $1,500. To my surprise, we raised more than $3,000," said Zeankowski, who is captain of Team Newly Diagnosed Fight.

This year, Zeankowski and her team of 16, including members of her online support group, will walk at Jones Beach and have set an even higher goal. "We plan to raise $6,000 [and] hope that doubling our goal will double our efforts to spread the word that we need to find a cure and bring in money to help others improve their quality of life by participating in the Long Island Chapter's programs," Zeankowski said.

Thanks to the efforts of her 11-year-old son, Zachary and his friend, Eric, Zeankowski is already on the way to reaching her goal. "When Zachary heard how high our goal was, he recruited his friend Eric and asked me if they could go raise money for the walk," she said. "At first I was concerned about sending two little boys [going] door-to-door to raise money. 'Would the neighbors know this was for real? Would they be safe carrying around money?' With a little convincing from my son that he would be very careful, I agreed to allow them to walk the neighborhood and bring out awareness of MS and raise money towards our fight for a cure."

Zachary and Eric set out with a clipboard, MS Walk posters, a cover letter Zeankowski wrote, an envelope for monies collected and sponsor sheets. Before heading out into the cold, Zachary put on his mother's MS Walk hat and T-shirt, stuck a MS prism ribbon pin on himself and his friend and grabbed a Team MS flag.

In a little over two hours, the boys returned home in need of additional sponsor sheets. "Theirs were already filled up and had already raised over $400," said Zeankowski. "My heart leapt at the dedication of these two boys who went out with their whole hearts to help to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis and money for our cause."

She added, "His efforts to raise awareness and help our fight for a cure make my entire team proud! I am so proud of the two of them, and have asked them to walk beside me at Jones Beach in April. My son's response nearly brought me to tears. [He said] 'If this helps to find a cure for your MS, Mom, then I'd walk forever.'"

The MS Walk is one of the society's largest fundraising events. Since 1991, $281 million has been raised toward research for treatment for people living with the devastating effects of MS, as well as client programs for people with MS. Each spring nearly 700,000 people at over 600 sites participate in the MS Walk. Last year, chapters in each of the 50 states contributed to the $40 million raised to help the National MS Society continue its MS programs, research, and professional education.

"We were thrilled last year when the Long Island Chapter raised over $612,000 to help the 38,000 people in Nassau and Suffolk Counties who are affected by MS," said Pamela Mastrota, Long Island Chapter president. "It's a terrific way for Long Island to help the 400,000 Americans living with MS. This is why we continue to provide innovative, life-affirming educational, recreational, and social programs for people with MS, their friends, families, and caregivers."

Mastrota added that for 2004, the walk will be a high-energy, family-friendly event at both walk sites. In addition, a number of celebrity guests, entertainers and local business leaders will be on hand donating their time, talents and products to make this MS Walk a wonderful experience for all.

To register for the MS Walk or for information about Long Island Chapter programs call (631) 864-8337 or call 1-800-FIGHT MS, 24 hours a day or visit www.nmssli.org.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic unpredictable neurological disease that affects the central nervous system and can cause blurred vision, loss of balance, poor coordination, slurred speech, tremors, numbness, extreme fatigue, problems with memory and concentration, paralysis and blindness. These problems may be permanent, or they may come and go.

MS is neither contagious nor directly inherited and is not considered a fatal disease. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 and the majority of people with MS do not become severely disabled.

There is no cure for MS yet, but drugs can help slow the course and/or symptoms in some patients. Thanks to significant advances in research, the FDA has approved several treatments that may alter the underlying disease course of multiple sclerosis. People with MS should consult their doctors about using one of the FDA-approved medications and other effective treatments for the symptoms of MS.

Since its founding in 1946, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has been the leading provider of programs for people with MS and their families and friends. A not-for-profit organization serving people with MS in every state, the society supports more MS research and serves more people with MS than any national voluntary MS organization in the world.

Through a nationwide network of chapters, the National MS Society supports research efforts, educates, provides a variety of empowering programs, organizes fund-raising events, and advocates for people with disabilities. Local chapters enable the Society to help meet the needs of Americans living with MS.

For more information, call (631) 864-8337 or 1-800-FIGHT MS, 24 hours a day. Information is also available at www.nmssli.org.