Helping the independence of others

Torus Tammer

HUNTINGTON BEACH -- Around 3,500 people are expected to participate in

the second annual Tommy’s Surf City 5K Run on Tuesday, the proceeds of

which will benefit multiple sclerosis research.

The run, which starts at 7 a.m., follows the Main Street parade route and

is part of the city’s Fourth of July celebration.

Fashion mogul Tommy Hilfiger is sponsoring the Surf City run and 12

others like it around the nation to help find a cure for multiple

sclerosis. There are about 3,000 people living with the disease in Orange

County, said Caroline Cormac, spokeswoman for the Orange County chapter

of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The run will raise money for the Orange County chapter, which provides

support programs and help for those with the disease.

The chapter plans to do its part to boost awareness of multiple sclerosis

on the holiday.

“At the race and throughout the day, we will have MS booths where people

can learn about MS,” Cormac said. “We will also be represented in the big

parade, in conjunction with Tommy Hilfiger, with our own float.”

Organizer Mike Bone said the race has been surprisingly easy to organize

so far.”One of the beauties of organizing this is that because the city

owns the event, we don’t have as much trouble with permits and

paperwork,” Bone said.

New York Giants star Pete Mitchell plans to make an appearance at the

run. Mitchell’s father suffers from multiple sclerosis.

Entry fees for the run are $22 for adults and $13 for children.

Registration starts at 6 a.m. For registration, call (714) 374-4800.