LEWISTON — The Androscoggin County Multiple Sclerosis Walk Committee has announced that plans are under way for the 2013 Multiple Sclerosis Walk on Saturday, April 27, at Lewiston High School. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. in the gym and the MS Walk will start at 10 a.m., rain or shine. This is a later start time than in the past.

The five-mile course extends through the Bates College area of Lewiston and shorter walk routes are available for those who prefer. Thanks to the donations of local businesses, doughnuts and a light lunch will be provided to everyone participating in the walk as well as refreshments along the route.

Door prizes and raffle prizes will also be handed out at the walk. Raffle tickets may be purchased at the event and drawing for prizes will be held following the conclusion of the walk.

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that affects more than 400 families in Androscoggin County and 3,000 families in Maine. Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic disease which effects the central nervous system and there is no known cause or cure.

Ten walks will be held statewide throughout the year and to find the closest MS Walk, contact the Greater New England Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society at 1-800-526-8890.  All monies raised helps with research, client services and advocacy.

The Lewiston Self-Help Group meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the LePage Conference Center, St. Mary’s Medical Center, 99 Campus Ave.

The Auburn Self-Help Group meets at the Auburn United Methodist Church, 439 Park Ave., from 9 to 11 a.m. the second Friday of the month. For more information, visit www.msmaine.org.

For more information on the walk, to make a donation or to register to be a walker or a volunteer the day of the walk, contact the Greater New England Chapter at www.msmaine.org or call 1800-526-8890.