MS Express Concludes Cross-Country Trip Early

Carlo Magno and the MS Express have concluded their cross-country journey to raise awareness for handicapped accessibility issues and donations for Multiple Sclerosis. The journey ended two weeks ago in Minneapolis-St. Paul when Magno was forced to return home to have a medical procedure done.

Originally launched June 5, the MS Express experienced several setbacks due to MS-related health issues and mechanical difficulties. In spite of the trip’s unexpected problems, Magno, founder of the MS Express and The Spirit of Hope Foundation, is still pleased with the trip’s outcome. In addition to raising $10,000 for Multiple Sclerosis, Magno, assistance dog Katie and travel companion Jerry Caldwell spread their message from Anacortes, Washington to Minneapolis-St. Paul with stops in Wenatchee, WA; Post Falls, ID; Missoula, MT; Billings, MT; and Minneapolis, MN.

“We made it as far as we could. We hoped to make it all the way to New York City, but it’s the journey not the destination that’s important,” Magno said. “I met some of the nameless faces of Multiple Sclerosis along the way, and I’m humbled by their grace and suffering. Sharing my spirit of hope with them made the trip worthwhile.”

Now that Magno has returned home, he will spend the next several months summarizing and documenting the trip and reporting to the City of Anacortes’ Barrier Busters committee. In addition, he plans to put Blu, his beloved antique, electric wheelchair up for sale.

“There’s someone out there who needs her more than I do,” Magno said. “Blu is special. It’s time for her to be someone else’s Tinkerbell.”

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. For more information about The Spirit of Hope Foundation or the MS Express, visit the foundation’s handicapped accessible Web site at www.thespiritofhope.org or contact Carlo Magno at 360-630-1044.