WalkMS Returns to Ohio Prisons for 8th Year

COLUMBUS, Ohio- The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) is excited to announce that WalkMS is returning to Ohio prisons for an eighth year.

In partnership with the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, retired ODRC warden Tony Brigano travels across Ohio, walking one mile with the incarcerated population while raising money for "Team Michelle," named after Brigano's daughter, who is battling the disease.

"ODRC staff and the incarcerated population have given me so much to be thankful for as I look to start my latest trip to Ohio prisons," said Brigano. "The way the prisons have embraced this while also raising awareness for the cause has really made me feel good, even as I am far removed from my work at ODRC."

Since the beginning, "Team Michelle" has raised $242,580.51. Brigano has set a goal of $300,000 by the end of his walks this year.

Brigano will travel to 19 prisons this year, walking a mile at each and a 5K run at the Ohio Reformatory for Women.

"Tony has a rich history at ODRC that has lasted through the years since his retirement," said ODRC interim director Ed Banks. "He continues to make an impact across the state, raising awareness for a disease that affects so many while also giving the incarcerated population a way to give back and make a difference."

Tony Brigano started at ODRC as a social worker at Lebanon Correctional Institution in 1974. He also worked at Chillicothe Correctional Institution, the former Ohio Penitentiary, and the former Orient Correctional Institution. He served as the warden for 18 and a half years at three facilities: Southeastern Correctional Institution, Warren Correctional Institution and Lebanon Correctional Institution, where he retired in 2003.

2026 ODRC WalkMS events:

June 11- Franklin Medical Center, 8:30 am

June 23- Ohio Reformatory for Women, 8:30 am

August 5- Warren Correctional Institution, 9:30 am

August 5- Lebanon Correctional Institution, 12:30 pm

August 12- Southeastern Correctional Institution, 9 am

August 13- Mansfield Correctional Institution, 8:30 am

August 13- Richland Correctional Institution, 1 pm

August 25- London Correctional Institution, 9 am

August 25- Madison Correctional Institution, 12:30 pm

August 26- Pickaway Correctional Institution, 8:30 am

August 26- Correctional Reception Center, 12:30 pm

September 9- Allen-Oakwood Correctional Institution, 8:15 am

September 15- Dayton Correctional Institution, 8:30 am

September 22- Belmont Correctional Institution, 8:30 am

September 22- Noble Correctional Institution, 12:30 pm

October 6- Chillicothe Correctional Institution, 8:30 am

October 6- Ross Correctional Institution, 12:30 pm

Dates for Marion Correctional Institution and North Central Correctional Center are to be determined.

Tony Brigano thanks an incarcerated person for participating in a walk last year.

Incarcerated adults walking for WalkMS at Noble Correction Institution last year