Support Our Journey: Fifty Miles for MS Awareness

On June 25, 2005, my mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. MS is a debilitating autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. It causes symptoms ranging from memory issues and fatigue to blindness and even an inability to walk. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure. Despite the potential severity and life-changing nature of these symptoms, my mom has spent the past eighteen years doing everything she can to fight against her condition. Refusing to be defined by her diagnosis, she consistently pursues the aspirations she held pre-MS. Upon discovery of her MS, she was informed that she would be confined to a wheelchair within ten years. Eighteen years later, and she has run 5k's, 15k's, half-marathons, and even a marathon-- all accomplishments that her diagnosis should have prevented.

My mother is one of the strongest and most courageous women I know. She cares deeply for the people around her and never fails to approach each day with a smile. Even through all that she has had to endure, she consistently reminds me that there will always be a silver lining.

As children, we can only do so much in hopes to repay the time and sacrifices our parents have given to us. There has never been a time when my mother did not stand by my side, which is why I am thrilled to be joining her in this year's fifty-mile National Multiple Sclerosis Challenge Walk. This will be her fifth Challenge Walk and the first one that I have the opportunity to walk with her.

This year's walk will be taking place this November in San Diego, California. Some of my earliest memories are from our time living in San Diego, making this year's walk all the more special. In order to afford travel and participation fees, we must raise $8,500 in total. Any funds raised will be used toward flights and our entry donation fees. Any excess will also go towards MS Research through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Thank you so much for your support and your generosity! Words cannot express how much my mom and I appreciate you.