The annual 3k event raises dollars and awareness of Multiple Sclerosis.
By
Amanda Sebastiano
| 10:13 a.m. March 5, 2016
East County
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Although Emilie Pinho felt helpless when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2004, today she's taking control.
For the last few years, Pinho, 34, has helped orchestrate an event specifically to raise money for MS research and to draw awareness to the disease.
"I feel great," Pinho said at MS Walk 2016, held March 5 on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. "I feel like we're really close to a cure, and any money for the cause helps us get there."
The annual 3k event features breakfast and activities for participants after they walk, jog or run the 1.5-mile stretch around Main Street.
This year, more than 150 people participated.
Sarah Scarlett and Kristina Barrow, of Bradenton, receive their medals after finishing the 3k.
The Universal North America team represents a homeowner's insurance company in Sarasota.
Event organizer Emily Pinho and Nicole Cook, of Bradenton, show off their orange pride for MS Month.
Sheena Lambright brings her son, Preston, along for the walk.
The Team of Hope walks for family friend Emily Pinho.
Angela's Angels walk for Angela Bacon (front, center), who has MS.
Larry and Elsie Green are part-time East County residents who have participated in the event for three years.
Rebecca Greene and her furry friend, Ellie, look forward to the MS Walk each year.
Team Janine members Mandi Eschenbach, Janeen Korman, Janine Rocca, Samantha Linder, Alex and Joe Walsh and Melanie Reda show off their team uniforms for the event.
More than 150 people attended the annual event.
Conner and Taylor Snyder, of Lakewood Ranch, were the first two participants to finish the race.
Adrianne Smith, of Lakewood Ranch, and Rachel Siditsky, of Sarasota, listen to music during their jog.
Jocelyn Freed, Ethan and Jackson Nealis, Samuel Freed and Leonel Marines are some of the youngest attendees.
Event volunteers Dot Sorensen and Maddie Allen, of Lakewood Ranch, greet participants at the finish line.
Lynn Gibson, of Lakewood Ranch, accepts her medal from Laura Poots, of Bradenton.
Time for a selfie! Phil Sypula and Chris Riceman pose for a post-race photo.
Iris and Barrington Wint, of Bradenton, enjoy a breezy morning outside.
