Fresh air and hope. My outdoor oasis

Hello. My name is sally. I suffer from ms and I’m raising funds for an outdoor area

Our Journey with MS

I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) 20 years ago, and since then every day has been a new challenge. MS slowly took away my strength and mobility – I now walk with a rollator (walker) and sometimes use a wheelchair when I’m tired. For years I lived in a small, cramped house that wasn’t built for someone with MS. The narrow hallways and corners felt like obstacle courses; it was nearly impossible to maneuver my walker or wheelchair without bumping into furniture. These limitations made everyday activities hard, and I often felt frustrated that something as simple as stepping outside for a few minutes was out of reach.

A Dream for My Outdoor Retreat

Earlier this year, we moved into a more accessible home, which has been a blessing. The new house has wider doorways and ramps that make moving around so much easier. But even with this wonderful home, something was missing: a safe, covered outdoor space to truly enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Right now our backyard is open to the elements – if the sun is too hot, if it’s raining, or if the ground is uneven, I can’t easily use it. I long to sit outside, feeling the warmth of the sun and breathing fresh air, but without a cover I often have to stay indoors, missing out on those simple joys.

Without a proper patio or cover, I risk overexposure to the sun (MS can make heat a trigger for fatigue) or getting wet when it rains, and the uneven ground makes using my walker unsafe. We urgently need an undercover patio built with accessibility in mind. This would include a level, slip-resistant deck, a ramp, and a sturdy roof. It may seem like a small thing, but it would be life-changing: it would let me step outside confidently any day, no matter the weather, so I can truly take advantage of our new home.

Sunlight and Fresh Air: Healing for MS

Fresh air and sunshine are more than just pleasant – they have real health benefits, especially for someone living with MS. Researchers note that sunshine provides vitamin D, and vitamin D has been shown to help combat multiple sclerosis . Being outside also boosts oxygen in my blood and raises my serotonin (“happy chemical”), which lowers stress and anxiety . In fact, studies show that spending time outdoors can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and improve mood .

For me, feeling the sun on my face or the breeze around me offers a boost of hope and calm on hard days. An outdoor retreat would give me a safe place to soak in that sunshine and fresh air. It would be a spot to relax, have family dinners, or simply enjoy a morning cup of tea with the birds chirping – moments that help lessen the isolation and fatigue that MS sometimes brings. This little patch of sunshine would do wonders for my emotional and physical well-being, giving me energy and peace of mind.

How You Can Help

Our community has helped me so much already – from moving boxes to cheering me on. Now, I need your help to take this next step. The cost of building an accessible, covered patio is beyond what I can manage alone. Your donation, big or small, will help us create a safe, sunny haven where I can relax and recharge every day.

Even if you can’t donate right now, you can still support this cause by sharing our story with friends and family. Every share brings us closer to our goal and helps raise awareness. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and support. Together, we can build this little patch of sunshine and comfort that makes this MS journey a bit easier.

Sources: Research shows that sunshine provides vitamin D linked to easing MS symptoms , and that fresh air and natural light can boost mood and reduce stress  . These facts underscore why this outdoor space will truly be a sanctuary for health and hope.