Monterey woman set to run more than 200 miles to raise money for multiple sclerosis research, patients

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) A Monterey woman will be participating in a relay to raise awareness and funds for multiple sclerosis research and patients, according to MS Run the US.

Theresa Oda-Burns of Monterey was chosen to run 205 miles of the relay in Iowa. She will start on June 29 in Des Moines, IA and finish on July 6 in Dubuque, IA.

Oda-Burns said she was inspired to participate after her cousin's soon-to-be wife, Ashley, was diagnosed with MS in October. She said Ashley was a runner and lived a healthy lifestyle, so the diagnosis came as a shock. In her honor, Oda-Burns said she will run to raise $10,000 for awareness, research and financial support.

“Accepting Segment 12 of this relay race across the United States, the miles have become much more meaningful. In my mind, it makes all sorts of sense,” she said.

The relay will cover 3,260 miles, and it will begin in Santa Monica on April 9 and end in New York City on Aug. 20.