After his wife Regina "Gina" O'Donnell was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis two years ago, East Meadow resident Craig Adams wanted to make a difference. Earlier this year, a friend of Craig's suggested he take part in National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Long Island Chapter MS Walk as a means of honoring Gina.

The MS Walk is the signature fundraising event of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Each year, thousands of people of all ages walk in more than 700 cities across the United States to help raise money and awareness for MS. All funds raised support vital MS research initiatives and a variety of programs and services for people with MS and their families. The 2006 MS Walk took place May 13 at both Jones Beach State Park and Belmont Lake Park and, Craig's team, Gina's Giants, came out at Jones Beach in full force.

"I had never before heard of the MS walk," said Craig. "I said 'I'll ask around and see if I can draft a few people to walk with us.' [My friend's] response became our motto - 'It's easy to donate, but showing up says you care.' A few months and couple of phone calls later I was captain of the largest team in the history of the MS walk by almost double."

Craig works at Nassau County Family Court in Westbury and Gina works at Supreme Court in Brooklyn. "I sent fliers to the few buildings where I know people and badda bing. People responded in mass not only to walk but to sponsor us as well."

According to Craig, he raised money as well as secured sponsorships from Causeway Bait and Tackle, who purchased disposal ponchos for the entire team; Vitamin Water, who donated over 200 bottles of their products; and the Fraternal Order of Police who, along with a few lawyers, offered to purchase the team's shirts.

"The rest is history," said Craig, adding that the old record for the most team members was 87. "We registered 163," he said.

According to the society's website (http://www.nationalmssociety.org), Gina's Giants was #6 among this year's top 10 grossing teams, raising nearly $5,600 for MS resource.