Health: Temple Student Takes To The Pool To Help Those With MS
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There are people out there swimming to help those who have trouble moving because of Multiple Sclerosis. It's a fundraiser called Swim For MS.
It was a local student who got things started at Temple.
Swim For MS is happening at Temple University on Wednesday. The event is in its third year, and people swim laps to help raise money for The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.
Ann Rejrat is swimming for her sister who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in her early 30's.
"She lost the ability to walk and she couldn't talk anymore, and she got put on a feeding tube," Rejrat said.
It happened suddenly. The onetime Temple crew member started falling, and was quickly disabled with MS, a disorder of the central nervous system. It can be difficult to diagnose and treat and there is no cure.
Not wanting to feel so helpless, Rejrat, A Temple senior, organized the Swim For MS event at the university.
"I was just looking for a way to help out people like my sister. Being able to get in and do something physical and thinking about some people who might not be able to do it, it really makes you appreciate what you can do," she said.
Remarkably, after therapy, Rejrat's sister is in remission and is now even able to run marathons, but doctors have warned she could relapse anytime.
Rejrat has about 50 people involved and is hoping to raise $2,700.