Nearly 200 members of the De La Salle Collegiate Family showed up at Oakland University on Saturday, May 9, as part of the fundraising walk for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research. 

Spearheaded by faculty member Ben Westphal, ‘16, and DLS Vice-Principal Annmarie Michol, whose oldest daughter Ashley developed MS as a middle-schooler, the number of participants from DLS was the largest ever since DLS began participating in 2021.

Michol said, “I am truly blessed to be part of such an extended De La Salle family, especially as we come together for the MS Walk, an event that means so much to my family. Mr. Westphal has been a driving force in making this journey so meaningful, and his commitment reflects the heart of what this community stands for.

“Ashley is nothing short of a warrior. Through her work with the MS Society and MS Impossible in both Missouri and Michigan, she continues to inspire strength, hope, and resilience. As a mentor to those newly diagnosed, she brings light to others during some of their most difficult moments.

“It is also powerful and humbling to see how many families are connected through this same fight and know someone personally living with this difficult autoimmune disorder. That shared understanding brings people together in a way that is deeply meaningful.

“I am incredibly grateful for the support surrounding this cause and for everyone who continues to show up for something that is so personal and important to my family. This is more than an event, it is a reminder of love, unity, and purpose.”