Of 115 teams that took place in the walk, Team AmErika ranked number nine in the top 23 fundraising teams for the walk.
Munsch, 28, was first diagnosed with M.S. when she was just 23. Munsch said that because she was diagnosed at an early stage, she was able to stabilize the effects of the disease. She is fortunate that she can still do all the things she once did since before she was diagnosed, and that is the reason that she wants to help others affected by M.S.
In her first year participating in the walk, the team, made up of friends, family, coworkers and more, raised nearly $13,000. After four years, the team has raised close to $80,000 in total. Munsch donates half of the total team amount raised to the NYC Chapter to help their members as well.
"I took all those confusing and negative feelings about having M.S. and turned it into something positive," said Munsch. "Doing this walk was my therapy. The generosity of others was my therapy.
Munsch said she begins fundraising around mid-January. She writes letters and sends emails to people about the team and previous walks they have done.
This event is one of 600 taking place across the country, and is the signature fundraising event of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. On Long Island, the event takes place both at Jones Beach State Park and Belmont State Park, where walkers can bring their dogs.
"Joining the movement with hundreds of thousands of people across the country is an experience like no other," said Pamela J. Mastrota, president of the MS Society Long Island Chapter. "Each year I am inspired by the dedication of our participants, volunteers and sponsors. We walk together to make a powerful statement, and to keep moving toward a cure. We look to the future, a world free of M.S."
Munsch is organizing a benefit concert, Join Against Multiple Sclerosis (JAMS), in an effort to raise additional money for the team. The event will take place on June 21 at Don Hills in Tribeca. Tickets are $10. Munsch says her goal is to make JAMS a 501c3 non-profit organization.
"At first I thought my life was going to be limited," said Munsch. "But I am happy to say I am not even close to that level."
