MS Express Returns to the Road Following Setback

Originally launched June 5, the MS Express has been on hiatus as Magno recovered from an exacerbation of MS brought on by the summer heat. Now fully recovered, Magno’s doctor has cleared him once again for take-off, currently scheduled for September 25. Magno, assistance dog Katie and travel companion Jerry Caldwell, aka “Binky the Clown,” will head for Missoula, Montana where they are scheduled to meet with Mayor John Engen on September 29. Following that visit, the MS Express crew will head east to Minneapolis-St. Paul and then on to Chicago where Magno will meet with Mayor Richard M. Daley to discuss handicapped accessibility issues.

“Katie and I are feeling rested, enthusiastic and energetic,” Magno said today. “We are anxious to get back on the road and to share our spirit of hope with our supporters across the country.”

According to Magno, the MS Express has had to be reworked and adjusted to accommodate MS-related health concerns, but his mission remains the same. This time out Magno and his entourage will make fewer stops and allot necessary time for rest and recuperation. Magno remains optimistic that his return to the road will be successful.

“My father said that if it was easy, everyone would do it,” Magno said. “This is definitely not easy, but it is something I have to do.”

Founded by Carlo Magno, The Spirit of Hope Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation dedicated to raising awareness for handicapped accessibility and quality of life issues. The foundation is committed to helping affected individuals to maintain independence, physical health and emotional well-being through resource networking. Magno has received dozens of endorsements, including support from Washington Governor Christine Gregoire, the City of Anacortes, the Seattle Mariners, BECU, Foley RV, Skagit Powersports and QAS. To date, the foundation has raised more than $8,600 to benefit MS.

For more information about The Spirit of Hope Foundation or the MS Express, visit the foundation’s new handicapped accessible Web site at www.thespiritofhope.org or contact Dana Blozis at 360-920-1737.