A legion of pedestrians, nearly 11,000 strong, is expected to set out April 12-13 on walks across Western Washington to raise awareness and dollars in the movement to stop multiple sclerosis.

The National MS Society, Greater Washington Chapter, has set a goal of $2.4 million for its 19th annual MS LifeLines Walk MS, presented by Oh Boy! Oberto Beef Jerky.

Seattle's Walk is Sunday, April 13. Walks in Tacoma, Bainbridge Island and other communities are set for Saturday, April 12.

Proceeds support chapter services and programs for people living with MS and their families, as well as research into new treatments and a cure.

The Pacific Northwest has a higher incidence of multiple sclerosis than almost anywhere in the world.

MS is a chronic, unpredictable and often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms include numbness, paralysis and loss of vision, and vary from person to person.

"Major fundraisers like Walk MS are moving us closer to a world free of MS," said Greater Washington Chapter President Patty Shepherd-Barnes.

"Tremendous advancements in diagnosis and treatment have been made over the last 20 years, but we still to keep pushing for a cure. And we still need to help the thousands in our area who have or are affected by this disease."

Headquartered in Seattle, the Greater Washington Chapter of the National MS Society serves 23 counties in Western and Central Washington and helps 8,500 people living with MS and 40,000 more who are directly affected by the disease.

For more information, call the National MS Society, Greater Washington Chapter, at 1-800-344-4867 or visit www.MSwashington.org and click on the Walk MS logo.