HARTFORD, Conn. More than 6,000 Connecticut residents battle the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS). In a show of support, each year thousands of loved ones, friends, neighbors and co-workers lace up and step out in solidarity for a single cause to end the devastating effects of MS.

Travelers, a leading provider of commercial property casualty insurance, has for a second year been named the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter Walk MS title sponsor. The corporation, ranked 85th on the Fortune 500 list of largest U.S. companies, is a longtime partner in the fight against MS.

In 1995, under the leadership of Connecticut resident and then Travelers staff member Jean Cormier, Travelers registered its first team. In 1997 Travelers partnered with the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter as a corporate sponsor and was named Corporate Sponsor of the Year. By 1999 the corporation had enlisted more than 1,500 participants to field 54 walk teams participating in 43 chapter walk events nationwide. That same year, at its national conference in Anaheim, Calif., Travelers received from the National MS Society the Corporation of the Year award. In 2006 the Travelers MS Walk teams raised more than $165,000 combined. Last year, at its annual gala, the chapter awarded Travelers the 2006 MS Connecticut Citizen of Year.

In 2007 the walk event raised more than $1.1 million. The chapter hopes to raise more than $1.5 million this year. The Travelers Walk MS 2008 will take place at the University of Connecticut, Storrs Campus, Sunday, April 13, and at 11 additional sites across the state Sunday, May 4. The 11 walk sites are:

· Cheshire Cheshire High School
· Clinton Joel Elementary School
· Enfield JFK Middle School
· Litchfield Town Green
· Manchester Manchester Community College
· New London Mitchell College
· Norwalk Calf Pasture Beach
· Simsbury Westminster School
· West Hartford University of Connecticut, West Hartford Campus
· West Haven West Haven High School
· Woodstock Hyde School

For a third year news anchor Darren Kramer, WTNH News Channel 8, has been named event Grand Marshal, stepping out at the West Hartford walk site. Kramer first joined WTNH in 1999, where he anchored the morning and noon broadcasts. In early 2006 he returned to WTNH News Channel 8 after a little more than two years in Chicago. The morning news anchor has a personal connection to MS.

"National MS Society events are especially important to me and my family because my mother-in-law battles the effects of multiple sclerosis," said Kramer. "News Channel 8 is dedicated to helping different charities throughout Connecticut."

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease. It's generally diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. Symptoms can range from numbness in the extremities, loss of vision and, in severe cases, complete paralysis. The progression, severity and specific symptoms related to MS in any one person cannot be predicted, but advances in research and treatments are providing hope to those affected by the disease. Funds raised at chapter events, such as the Travelers Walk MS, ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and provide for the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to Connecticut residents affected by MS.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m., and the walk event will begin at 9 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to participants for extraordinary fundraising efforts. Lunch is provided compliments of Subway and Coca-Cola. St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center, Acorda and Serono have been named 2008 platinum sponsors.

Travelers Walk MS Community partners include WTNH News Channel 8/My TV 9, 96.5 TIC, NextMedia and 97.7 WCTY. To learn more about the Travelers Walk MS 2008 or to pre-register, please visit http://www.ctfightsms.org/. Learn more about multiple sclerosis, its effects, and programs and services offered by the chapter to those living with MS by e-mailing programs@ctfightsMS.org or visiting http://www.ctfightsms.org/.

1/29/08

CUTLINE: Participants step out at the 2007 Travelers Walk MS at the University of Connecticut, West Hartford campus. The 2007 walk event attracted more than 7,000 participants to one of 11 sites and raised more than $1.1 million. The 2008 event is expected to attract more than 11,000 walkers and raise more than $1.5 million.

Pictured from Left to right: Cromwell resident and 2006 event spokesperson Frank Salerni; 2006 event spokesperson Debbie Salerni; 18-year-old Ben Salerni, and WTNH News Channel 8 anchor and grand marshal Darren Kramer.

NOTE TO MEDIA:
For More Information
Contact Karen E. Butler
Vice President, Communications
Phone: 860.714.2300, ext. 230
E-mail: kbutler@ctfightsMS.org
Cell Phone: 860.997.4487