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Race Into Space Through the MS READaTHON
It�s a 2001 Space Odyssey for youths in grades K-8, throughout the state of Maine as they race through books in February for the 27th annual MS READaTHON, sponsored by the Maine Chapter, national Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Youths can join the Mystery Sleuth Dog as he goes into space during this fun project at their local school, library, and/or through individual registration. Participants have the fun of reading all kinds of books at their reading level � JK Rowling (Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire), EB White (Charlotte�s Webb), C.S. Lewis (The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe), Eric Carle, (Dream Snow) to name a few. They also are given an opportunity to learn why community service and volunteerism are so important. Participants seek contributions from family and friends to help people with Multiple Sclerosis. Money raised supports programs and research for people who have MS, a chronic disease of the central nervous system. While there are treatments to slow the progression of the disease, there is no cure. Symptoms range from blurred vision, slurred speech, loss of balance to total paralysis.
"This is a competitive event; that�s why we�re calling it a race for space", according to the Mystery Sleuth Dog. Special prizes will be awarded to the top fundraisers and the top fundraising school. Last year�s top fundraising school, Biddeford Primary School, raised over $5,120, and is challenging other schools to participate in this reading program for MS this year.
For information on participation in the READaTHON, contact Kristi Calhoun at 1-800-639-1330, or ask about it at your school or public library. Keep watching ABC-7 to find out more details as we enter the new year, or check out the MS Society�s web site at
