Palmetto Trail Ambassadors Tackle Fourth Thru-Hike of the Palmetto Trail
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2020
(Columbia, SC) – On October 14, 2020 a Beaufort city husband and wife team comprised of Bernie and April Hester begin their fourth journey along South Carolina’s Palmetto Trail. Named Palmetto Trail Ambassadors in 2017, April and Bernie also hike to bring awareness to multiple sclerosis (MS). April, who suffers from MS hopes that through their journey they can help and inspire others afflicted with this incurable disease.
It’s important to note that April is not alone. Hers is just one of the approximately 200 new cases of multiple sclerosis diagnosed each week, contributing to the more than 400,000 people in the United States and about 2.5 million people around the world living with this disabling neurological condition. While most individuals are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, multiple sclerosis can be developed at any age.
Although thousands of individuals hike the Palmetto Trail each year, very few attempt to Thru hike the trail. This valiant effort combined with the debilitating physical effects of multiple sclerosis are a few reasons why April and her husband Bernie have been recognized as Trail Ambassadors by the Palmetto Trail.
“We are always excited when Mule and Inch Worm thru -hike the Palmetto Trail. They are terrific Trail Ambassadors and are always available to mentor prospective Palmetto Trail thru-hikers” said Mary Roe, the Palmetto Trail Executive Director.
They have established a website https://www.trailjournals.com/journal/24533 and an Instagram @Mule_Inchworm that will allow people to read about their journey and gain insight as they face and conquer challenges. April and Bernie will be passing through the Capital City and joining the Palmetto Trail staff at the downtown office for a fireside discussion on November 4th. Media is allowed for interviews. Please contact Kat Crawford at kcrawford@palmettoconservation.org to set up an appointment time on this date.
About The National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The Society mobilizes people and resources so that everyone affected by MS can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever. To fulfill this mission, the Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education, collaborates with MS organizations around the world, and provides programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. The Society has invested $54 million to advance more than 380 research projects around the world. Through its comprehensive nation-wide network of services, the Society also invested $122.2 million to help more than one million individuals affected by MS connect to the people, information and resources needed to live their best lives. The Society is dedicated to achieving a world free of MS. Learn more at: www.nationalMSsociety.org.
About The Palmetto Trail
Our Mission at the Palmetto Trail is to foster an appreciation for South Carolina’s natural and cultural resources, providing opportunities for active recreation on the Palmetto Trail and other trail systems that can be enjoyed by all in South Carolina, regardless of gender, race, creed, age, or ability. To learn more, go to www.palmettotrail.org.
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