Thousands of people showed up to Addison Circle Park to help fight for a cure for multiple sclerosis (MS) on Saturday during a one mile or 5K walk. Among the many people were two groups of SMU students, Mustang Miracles and SMU Wesley. Together the two teams raised approximately $2,000.

Mustang Miracles, led by sophomore Hannah Bliss, had 35 members and raised $800, making it the top fundraiser in the school category for teams. The SMU Wesley team, comprised of 13 students and the campus pastor, raised $1,180.

Though some ran and some walked, everyone was there to support a great cause – a world free of MS.

Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating disease that affects 400,000 Americans and 2.5 million people worldwide. The disease affects the central nervous system and one of the first symptoms is the loss of ability to walk.

The national MS society holds 5K walks throughout the country to show support and solidarity for sufferers of MS.

Members of the SMU Wesley team have participated for a few years in support of a team member’s mother who has MS.

“So many people struggle with MS and we wanted to show our support for those dealing with this disease and support for the research being done to cure it,” Esther Liu, who participated with SMU Wesley, said.

Bliss’s mother was diagnosed with MS about eight years ago, which she describes as “a complete shock to my family and it has changed her life in many ways.”

She chose to participate in the walk in her mother’s honor.

“When I first sent out information about the walk, I never expected so many people to show such great support,” she said.

She hopes the tradition continues to gain support here at SMU.