Frequently Asked Questions

What is Challenge Walk MS?

This will be the greatest walk you’ll ever take: connecting to end MS over three days, 50 miles! The walk challenges you to push past your limits both physically and philanthropically. Funds raised through Challenge Walk MS drive cutting-edge research and support vital programs and services for people living with MS. It’s not about being athletic — it’s about showing compassion. Join our commitment to raise funds and awareness about a disease that affects 2.1 million people worldwide.

Who do I make checks payable to?

Please make all checks payable to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

What do I do with cash and checks I receive as donations?

Donations can be mailed to the National MS Society, Gateway Area Chapter at Attention: Challenge Walk MS, 1867 Lackland Hill Parkway, St. Louis, MO 63146 . The donations mailed into our office will be entered into your online account. Please include your name and the event in the memo field or in a separate note included with the donations.   If you have not turned in the minimum pledge by the start of the event, the National MS Society will discuss payment options, including charging the balance onto a credit card, with you.

How old do I have to be to participate?

There is no age requirement in order to participate in Challenge Walk MS. A parent/guardian must walk in the event with their child under age 18 at all times. All participants under the age of 18 must bring a notarized waiver, signed by a parent, to the event. Please call the chapter at 1-800-344-4867 to request a special waiver be mailed to you.

Where do I make accommodations for the weekend?

Information coming soon.

How much does it cost to register for Challenge Walk MS?

Participants may register for $40 through Dec. 31, 2014. From Jan. 1, 2015 to March 31, 2015, participants may register for $55. Beginning April 1, 2015 , registration fees increase to $75.

What kind of support does the National MS Society offer to Challenge Walk MS?

We are here to support you every step of the way. This includes pre-event things such as building a team and helping you with fundraising and training. During the event, we provide accommodations, all meals, full route support and more enthusiasm than you can imagine!

What if I can't collect my pledges?

If you are a returning walker, you are making a pledge commitment to raise $1,500.00. New walkers are committing to raise $1,000.00. We count on each and every dollar to support MS research and to provide and services for people living with MS. If you are finding it difficult to collect your pledges, please call us. We can provide you with some fundraising ideas.

Participants unable to meet the minimum pledge requirement before the event will be required to sign a pledge fulfillment form including a credit card number before being allowed to participate in the Dean Team Automotive Challenge Walk MS 2015 event.

Where will my donation go?

The donations from Challenge Walk MS drive cutting-edge MS research and support vital programs and services for people living with MS.

How far is Challenge Walk MS?

The Dean Team Automotive Challenge Walk MS is a 3 day, 50 mile event. The first day's route is approximately 20 miles, the second day is another 20 miles, and the walk concludes with a 10 mile route on day 3.

What happens if it rains?

Keep your fingers crossed! We hope that it will not rain during the Challenge Walk MS, but we will walk rain or shine. In the event of lightning or other dangerous conditions, we will delay the event until conditions improve.

Is my registration fee refundable?

Please contact the Gateway Area Chapter for more information at gatewayinfo@nmss.org or 1-800-344-4867, option 2.

Can I bring a friend with me who didn't register prior to the event?

We strongly encourage everyone to pre-register, but if you have a friend who decides to join you at the last minute please bring them along. They will need to go to the registration check-in table before the event on the morning of Friday, May 29 to pay the full registration fee as well as turning in the pledge minimum.

What if 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 Traci.Buss@nmss.org .

How do I change my Username and Password?

First, log in 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.

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 log in to your Challenge Walk MS Center. On the bottom right side of the home page is the location to modify your personal fundraising goal. Enter your new goal and submit the changes.

How do I change my team name, team division or team goal?

Only the team captain has the ability to change the team name or team division. The team captain will need to login to his/her Participant Center and click the "My Team Progress" button on the top right. On the Team Progress page, team captains will have the ability to update the team name, division and goal.

How can I see who has donated to me?

Log in to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Participant 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?

Log in to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Participant Center and click the "Team Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your team roster and the amounts raised by each team member.

How can I send a team message?

Simply go to your Participant Center and click the "Update Message to Team" button. This will allow you to make all necessary changes to your team message.

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.

How do I create a shortcut URL for my personal page?

In your Participant Center, go to the Personal Page tab. Click on Edit to edit your page. Where it says "Personal Page URL and Settings", enter a shortcut. The resulting shortcut URL will be http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/xxx, where xxx is the shortcut you choose. Click the Save button when done.