The Central Illinois Multiple Sclerosis Clinic will sponsor its first ever 5K walk on Sunday, April 13, at Washington Park in Springfield.

The registration fee is $25 for team captains, who can have as many team members on their team for no additional fee although donations will be accepted. The walk will begin at 1:30 p.m. Participants will meet at the picnic pavilion.

Participants can visit MemorialMedical.com/MS5KWalk and click on the link to download and print out a registration form to mail in. Forms should be mailed to MS Clinic 5K, Attn: Christina Graham, 3101 Temple Drive, Springfield, IL 62704. To be guaranteed to receive a T-shirt, team captains must register by March 14. Additional T-shirts for team members can be purchased for $10 each.

Participants can also register on the day of the event from noon to 1 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. The walk will also include a balloon launch, children’s activities, prizes and music. Participants can bring photos on the day of the walk to place on the memory board.

Participants can pick up their registration packets before the event from 4-6 p.m. Friday, April 11, in the lobby of the Kerasotes YMCA, 4550 W. Iles Ave., Springfield.

Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disorder of the brain and spinal cord. Its cause is unknown. There is no way to prevent it and there is no cure, although drug therapies have slowed down the disease’s progression.

Proceeds will go toward the purchase of equipment and educational books for clinic patients and their families; multiple sclerosis educational programs for patients, families and friends; and establishing community support groups.

The Central Illinois Multiple Sclerosis Clinic opened in July 1995 and is open every Thursday at the Kerasotes YMCA. The clinic follows more than 800 multiple sclerosis patients, primarily from central and southern Illinois.

For more information, call (217) 801-2382 or visit MemorialMedical.com/MS5KWalk.