LEWISTON – The Androscoggin County Multiple Sclerosis Walk Committee has announced that plans are under way for the 2008 Manpower Multiple Sclerosis Walk.

This year’s Androscoggin County MS Walk will take place on Saturday, April 12, snow, rain or shine, at Lewiston High School. The walk will begin at 9 a.m. after a brief starting ceremony.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. in the gym, where a light breakfast will be available to all walkers.

The walk encompasses a five-mile course through the Bates College area of Lewiston, with shorter routes available for those unable to complete the course. Rest stops and water stops will be available along the route, sponsored by local businesses. A light lunch will also be provided by local businesses for those who walk.

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease affecting the central nervous system with no known cause or cure. The walk is the main source of fundraising for the MS Society and funds raised help support research efforts to find a cause and cure for the neurological disease. In Maine, there are more than 3,000 families affected by MS.

The Maine Chapter, which is celebrating 54 years of service, has 12 walk locations throughout the state, including Lewiston, Augusta, greater Portland area and Bangor. Contact the MS Society at 1800-FightMS or visit www.msmaine.org for more information,

This year’s Androscoggin County MS Walk will include a 50/50 drawing, a raffle of items donated by local merchants, information on the local MS Support Group as well as door prizes.

The Androscoggin County Walk Committee is composed of Louise Martel, Linda Marchant, Crystal Sabins, Ann Gosselin, Mary Ann Gebocki, Tracey Roy, Marcia Akers, Paul Martel, Evelyn Lauze, Kayla Roy, Chairman Mike Roy, Debra Humason and Katie Roy.

The committee invites anyone interested in walking or volunteering the day of the walk to contact Roy at 524-2749.