ODRC and Walk MS Aim to Raise Over $200,000 in 2025

(COLUMBUS)- The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) and the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society have a goal to raise over $200,000 this year through walks at many of Ohio's prisons.

Former ODRC warden Tony Brigano started Walk MS at Ohio prisons eight years ago. Brigano and his team travel to many of the prisons in Ohio and walk one mile with staff and the incarcerated population to raise money for "Team Michelle," named after Brigano's daughter, who is battling MS.

"What the incarcerated population does to support MS means a great deal to my daughter, my family, those with MS around the country, and myself," said Brigano. "I educate them on what MS is, how it affects those with the disease, and that there is still no cure. It's important to me that they walk away with at least an understanding of MS and how their donations will, at some point, contribute to a cure."

In total, "Team Michelle" has raised around $184,000 through the end of 2024. Brigano and the National MS Society hope to exceed $200,000 by the end of the walks this year.

"Tony's work organizing these walk events across the Ohio prison system has created something truly extraordinary," said Alex Robinson, Senior Manager of Walk MS. "Thousands of incarcerated individuals continue to show up to demonstrate their support for Tony and the National MS Society's mission to end MS forever. Tony has raised nearly $200,000 through these efforts, funding MS research and providing essential programs and support for people affected by MS. We are deeply moved and grateful to Tony and to these communities who lead with passion, generosity, and purpose. Their impact is far-reaching and life-changing."

The first walks of 2025 took place earlier this week at Warren Correctional Institution and neighboring Lebanon Correctional Institution, and more will take place at 15 institutions throughout the year.

"Tony left a lasting legacy as a well-respected leader in our agency and is still highly regarded by everyone at ODRC, even 20 years after his retirement," said ODRC Director Annette Chambers-Smith. "I appreciate the opportunity he has given us as an agency to be involved in this important cause, not just to show our support for him, but for people around the world living with MS."

Upcoming 2025 walks include:

• June 24- Ohio Reformatory for Women
• July 31- Franklin Medical Center, Southeastern Correctional Institution
• August 7- North Central Correctional Complex, Marion Correctional Institution
• August 13- Mansfield Correctional Institution, Richland Correctional Institution
• August 20- London Correctional Institution, Madison Correctional Institution
• August 27- Pickaway Correctional Institution, Correctional Reception Center
• September 3- Allen-Oakwood Correctional Institution
• September 16- Dayton Correctional Institution
• October 15- Ross Correctional Institution, Chillicothe Correctional Institution

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.