FAQs
ABOUT THE WALK
Why is the walk MS Maine Walk important?
Over 3,000 local people and their families live with the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis, a disease with no known cause or cure. By raising funds and awareness, you are giving people throughout Maine hope that one day there will be better treatments for this neurological disease, and ultimately, a cure.
Where does the money go?
Funds raised by the walkers support the local programs and services provided to 3,000 of your neighbors who live each day with the devastating effects of MS. These services include medical equipment loans, transportation to medical appointments, peer support groups, educational programs for the newly diagnosed, financial assistance, short term counseling, exercise programs specifically designed for those with MS and many, many others. Funds are also contributed to a variety of research projects focusing on finding the cause(s), treatments and a cure for multiple sclerosis.
How much do I have to raise?
The walk MS is a fundraising event. Individual fundraising has ranged from $50 all the way up to $25,000! As a participant in the walk, we ask that you help us pursue our mission, to end the devastating effects of MS, by raising funds to support local programs and national research projects. You'll also be eligible to earn great prizes through our online prize fulfillment program with Summit Marketing based on the contributions you turn in. The minimum required to receive a souvenir t-shirt is $100, but the more you collect, the better your prize - and the greater your contribution to the fight against MS.
Are the walk prizes donated?
No. All merchandise is purchased by the Maine Chapter, National MS Society. If you would like to use your prize to support the programs and services we provide to your friends and neighbors living with the devastating effects of MS, you are welcome to do so. If you choose to donate your prize back to the Maine Chapter you will be entered into our Mission First Club and be recognized in the walk monthly newsletter for your generous contribution.
Do I have to bring all of the pledges with me to the event?
No. After registering, you will receive a packet of information and an envelope for collecting pledges. Walk participants may turn in pledges on the day of the walk, but are strongly encouraged to turn in as much as they can before the event. Pledges will also be accepted for a time after the walk has taken place. Online pledging is a quick, easy, no-hassle way for you to collect funds from friends, family and co-workers in your community and around the world. Begin by creating a person or team page, or by telling contributors to visit our site and search for you by name.
Do I need to bring the money envelope you sent me if I do not have money to turn in on the day of the Walk?
Yes! Yes! Yes! Even if you turn in an empty envelope, this will record your attendance at the Walk.
When do I turn in the balance of my pledges and what is the deadline?You have until May 31st to turn in all monies and qualify for prizes!
If I raise more than $100 do I still get the t-shirt?
Yes! If you raise enough money to put you at another prize level, above $100, you will get the t-shirt in addition to the prize of your choice at that level.
Is there a minimum pledge goal I must meet?
No. Please keep in mind that it costs $20-$25 per person to host the walk and any pledges above that go toward funding national research and the Maine Chapter programs.
I want to bring my kids with me. Do they need to register?
Yes, all individuals participating in the walk MS, regardless of their age, must register. All individuals under the age of 18 must have adult supervision at the walk. Many of the Society's top fundraisers are children and young adults.
How long is the walk MS?
The length of each Walk route varies by location. Most walk site vary somewhere between 3-5 miles.
What if there are poor weather conditions on the day of my walk?
April in Maine is no stranger to a snow storm or two, but a little bad weather has not stopped us before. The walk MS is like the US Postal Service -- neither rain, nor snow... all events will go on as planned! If there is bad weather, come on down, turn in your pledges and join the party!
Do I have to pay for parking?
Parking is provided free of charge to all walk MS participants at every walk location.
Can I bring my dog?
You are more than welcome to bring your dog with you to the walk except for the Augusta walk site. We do ask that you keep your pet on a leash and clean up after him/her.
What if I get tired part way through the Walk?
Just stop at the closest rest stop or flag down a support vehicle. The support vehicles drive the entire route to take tired walkers to the next rest stop or the finish line.
GENERAL
I forgot my Username and Password.
Remember that your username and password are case sensitive. Click here to find your password. You will receive an e-mail with your username and password. If you still have problems, please contact us at mainewalkinfo@nmss.org.
How do I change my Username and/or Password?
First, login to the site using your username and password. Once logged in you will see a link at the top of the page called "Update My Profile." Once in your profile, you will be able to change your contact information, e-mail address, username and password. All changes will be made to your account immediately. There is no need to sign in again.
How do I unsubscribe from e-mail?
Towards the bottom of each e-mail message there is a link stating, "Click Here to Unsubscribe from this E-mail Message." Click this link and follow the instructions given to unsubscribe.
ABOUT MY WALK CENTER
What is a Personal Page?
A personal page is an online promotional tool for your use when asking your friends and family to join your team or sponsor you by making a donation. Once you sign up for an event online, by default, you will have a personal page created for you. You have the option of personalizing this page by going to your Walk Center. You will be able to customize images, text and the style/color layout of the page.
By default I have a personal page, do I have to change it?
Once you sign up for an event online, by default, you will have a personal page created for you. A compelling personal page attracts and engages supporters. While you can spread the word using customized e-mail solicitations, your personal campaign page can be your own creative expression of your commitment to the cause. Customize your page by selecting the layout and style that work best for you. Utilize the elements of text, photo and status indicators to their fullest advantage.
How do I change my personal fundraising goal?
First, you will need to login to your Walk Center. On the bottom right side of the Walk Center home page is the location to modify your personal fundraising goal. Enter your new goal and submit the changes.
How can I see who has donated to me?
Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Walk Center and click the "My Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your donor list and any amounts having been donated.
How can I see who is on my team?
Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Walk Center and click the "Team Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your team roster and the amounts raised by each team member.
What is the difference between making my personal page private or public?
By default, a personal page is public, meaning your name will appear in the participant search list, and anyone accessing the site will be able to support you. Setting your personal page to private means your name will not appear in the participant search list, and only people you personally invite will be able to support you.
