With sunshine smiling on the Monmouth County municipality of Lake Como, 125 residents and family members from Jackson’s Four Seasons Metedeconk Lakes adult community recently joined forces to “Walk for Larry” in the annual Walk MS event.

Larry Stein, who has multiple sclerosis, leads friends and supporters from Team High Hopes on the boardwalk in Lake Como, Monmouth County, during the annual Walk MS event. PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAVE BENJAMIN Wearing their bright blue Team High Hopes T-shirts, the group of seniors walked a 6.5-mile loop at the Jersey Shore.

“In 2002 my wife, Gladie, and my daughter, Jodie, walked for MS,” said Larry Stein, who has multiple sclerosis. “They were so impressed by the whole idea of the MS walk that in 2004 they started Team High Hopes with nine walkers and raised almost $1,000.”

Stein said this year, with 125 walkers, the team raised more than $9,000. Donations are still being accepted. He said he is grateful and humbled by the team’s support and for support from the national MS Society.

Supporters of Larry Stein take part in the annual Walk MS event on the boardwalk in Lake Como, Monmouth County. The event raises money to help improve the lives of people who are living with multiple sclerosis. Team High Hopes member Ed Moran walked with his wife, Gloria. He said the event was outstanding.

“We walked 6.5 miles, and the service at all of the rest stops along the way was excellent,” said Moran, who is a Four Seasons Metedeconk Lakes resident. “Everybody was very congenial and appreciative that we walked, and I sincerely hope that a lot of money was raised for this worthy cause.”

Hope Eisman said it was amazing to see how many community members came out to support the cause and Stein.

“We all care about Larry and hope things improve for him through the research that is done with the money we raised,” said Eisman. “It was a wonderful day surrounded by wonderful friends. I would do it every year, but I hope we never have to do it again.”

Tom Lynch, who walked with his wife, Judy, said he was impressed by the number of people who showed up.

“I heard there were about 2,100 people [here today],” said Lynch. “The whole gathering, the enthusiasm of the people and the overall feeling of togetherness was really very nice, and I can’t wait until they do it again.”

Lynch said that not only did he enjoy his hamburger for lunch, after the walk, he thanked Bar Anticipation in Belmar for its show of support for the MS Walk.

The April 18 walk was the 22nd annual event run by the New Jersey Metro Chapter of the NationalMultiple Sclerosis Society. The walk sites include Bar Anticipation, Belmar, CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township, and Area E at Gateway National Park, Sandy Hook.

“This is an extraordinary event for a very important cause,” said New Jersey Metro Chapter president Michael Elkow. “For 22 years Walk MS has been a crucial part of helping 13,000 New Jersey residents and over 400,000 people nationwide move forward in their lives.”

Walk MS has 14 walk sites in New Jersey and hosts about 10,000 walkers and volunteers.

A spokeswoman said more than $350,000 was expected to be raised by all of the groups who participated at the Belmar (Lake Como) site. The overall goal for New Jersey was $2 million, and that goal was expected to be met and exceeded.

Funds raised from these events will support multiple sclerosis research programs and help to fund local programs and services for people who have MS. For more information, call 732-660- 1005 or visit walknjm.nationalmssociety.org.