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July 10. 2012 10:44PM
Madeline Samaha, 17, soon to be a senior at Bow High School, will walk 50 miles this fall to raise money for multiple sclerosis during the three-day Cape Cod Challenge Walk. Samaha's uncle was diagnosed with the disease two years ago. (COURTESY PHOTO)
Bow teen walking to raise money for uncle with MS
Madeline Samaha, 17, soon to be a senior at Bow High School, will walk 50 miles this fall to raise money for multiple sclerosis during the three-day Cape Cod Challenge Walk. Samaha's uncle was diagnosed with the disease two years ago. (COURTESY PHOTO)
BOW — By walking 50 miles this fall, Madeline Samaha is hoping that others may not have to walk in her uncle’s shoes.
Samaha, 17, a senior at Bow High School, said most of her summer will be devoted to conditioning herself for the Cape Cod Challenge Walk, a three-day event this September raising funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
After a favorite uncle was diagnosed with the disease two years ago, Samaha said her decision to partake in the event was sealed when she was asked to do a semester-long service project at her high school.
“This just seemed like the perfect way to help,” she said. Samaha is hoping to raise at least $1,500 for the charity, walking a total of 50 miles over the course of three days.
“For me, this disease affects my family … but preparing for this will also help me stay fit,” said Samaha, who plays two varsity sports but was forced to sit out this past spring season with an injury.
When Samaha’s uncle was initially diagnosed with MS, the family rallied around him as they dealt with the unknown.
“We’re pretty close,” Samaha said of her uncle. “Our holidays are spent together … he’s very funny, similar to my dad.”
Unlike some MS patients, Samaha’s uncle is still able to walk and go to work, through there are days when he tires easily. His hopes remain high.
“After two years, he’s happy to still be able to get up and walk every day,” Samaha said. “It’s been tough on all of us, but he’s so strong. We can see what he’s going through.”
With just about two months to go before her walk through Hyannis, Samaha said she’s committed to daily exercise.
Some days she’ll run three miles: other days she’ll opt for a slower pace and walk for six miles.
Spending time amongst her own thoughts is something she’s gradually getting used to. Which is good, since as of now, Samaha will be walking by herself.
“Though I’m still hoping a friend or two might join me,” she grinned.
For more information on the Cape Cod Challenge, or to sponsor Samaha, visit www.nationalmssociety.org.
April Guilmet may be reached at AGuilmet@newstote.com.
Samaha, 17, a senior at Bow High School, said most of her summer will be devoted to conditioning herself for the Cape Cod Challenge Walk, a three-day event this September raising funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
After a favorite uncle was diagnosed with the disease two years ago, Samaha said her decision to partake in the event was sealed when she was asked to do a semester-long service project at her high school.
“This just seemed like the perfect way to help,” she said. Samaha is hoping to raise at least $1,500 for the charity, walking a total of 50 miles over the course of three days.
“For me, this disease affects my family … but preparing for this will also help me stay fit,” said Samaha, who plays two varsity sports but was forced to sit out this past spring season with an injury.
When Samaha’s uncle was initially diagnosed with MS, the family rallied around him as they dealt with the unknown.
“We’re pretty close,” Samaha said of her uncle. “Our holidays are spent together … he’s very funny, similar to my dad.”
Unlike some MS patients, Samaha’s uncle is still able to walk and go to work, through there are days when he tires easily. His hopes remain high.
“After two years, he’s happy to still be able to get up and walk every day,” Samaha said. “It’s been tough on all of us, but he’s so strong. We can see what he’s going through.”
With just about two months to go before her walk through Hyannis, Samaha said she’s committed to daily exercise.
Some days she’ll run three miles: other days she’ll opt for a slower pace and walk for six miles.
Spending time amongst her own thoughts is something she’s gradually getting used to. Which is good, since as of now, Samaha will be walking by herself.
“Though I’m still hoping a friend or two might join me,” she grinned.
For more information on the Cape Cod Challenge, or to sponsor Samaha, visit www.nationalmssociety.org.
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April Guilmet may be reached at AGuilmet@newstote.com.
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