Wednesday, May 2, 2012

MS Sucks! And that's why I do the Walk

On Saturday my sister, me, and some friends headed down to the MS Walk to walk for my dad who has had Multiple Sclerosis  for a little over 31 years. Our team name was MS Sucks! A name my dad personally said he approved of. This was our second year doing the walk and our team raised around $500!

MS SUCKS!!! My awesome team who I couldn't have done this without!

Ashlynne (one of my best friends) and Me!

I wanted a picture of us girls with my Padre's name on the back, but you can't really see it that well...

I usually don't talk about my dad's disease. For the longest time I've always associated MS with him instead of looking at it as two separate things. I've never known a life where my dad didn't have MS. I'm now 27, and my dad went from walking with a cane most of my life to finally having to get into a power chair in 2005. It's hard as a child seeing your parent's body slowly fight against them. It's why I love the MS Society and the work they do. When my dad had to start taking shots to help slow his MS down back when I was in high school, the medicine was ridiculously expensive. At one point my parents' insurance wasn't going to cover it, and that's where the MS Society stepped in. They accessed a grant for my dad so he could continue taking the medicine so his life could be a bit easier.


Walking through town it really hit me how much I know my dad would love for just one day to be able to take the walk I did, but his body won't allow it. You don't really think about it, not even when it's right there in front of you how much just being able to put one foot in front of the other is a blessing.

The name of my hero!

My sister wasn't able to do the actual walk due to her pregnancy so she stayed at the center and helped out as a volunteer. She got to hear more about the lady who has done the event for the past 19 years. How she started it the same year her brother was first diagnosed. Even though her brother is no longer alive, she still makes sure this event takes place. I loved that. We're making sure to volunteer next year with getting all the donations for prizes, refreshments, and setting up the event. It made me realize that with things slowling down how mcuh more I want to give back to the MS Society and what all they've done in the past years.

My Sister and Me!

Because of things like the MS Walk and donations, they've been able to set up medical funding to help fight MS. It was announced to us on Saturday that right now a medication is being presented to the FDA for active MS in helping putting it back into remission. This news made me so happy yet also made me sad because my dad is past the point of active MS and is now in progression. But it gives me so much more hope if the FDA does approve the medicine, the medicine starts to cure active MS, that maybe one day with more funding they'll be able to reach out and help those with progressive MS.

22 balloons were launched in honor for the 22 people in our small community who suffer from MS

If you want to learn more about MS or want to see if there is a walk in your neck of the woods I really encourage you to check out the website here. Even if you're not interested in that, I ask that you take a walk. Whether it's through your house or taking a walk outside and just be thankful for a moment that you have the ability to do it.

5 comments:

  1. You look great Amber! My grandfather passed away when I was only 4 yrs old, but he also had MS. I unfortunately don't remember him all too well, but hear stories all the time. It definitely makes you appreciative of those who are so willing to help like the MS Society and people like you! Sending you and your dad my best wishes!

    Kristan @ Lost Amongst the Shelves

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  2. This was so beautiful. You guys are so amazing and such a strong family. I seriously look up to you and get the true view of what family is all about and how you not only need to be there for one another, but want to.

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  3. It always makes me proud to read about things like this. I used to do the Relay for Life every year but haven't in quite a while. Great job!

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  4. I think that it's awesome that you support your family that way. I personally haven't had a situation like yours and commend you for wanting to support your family.

    Just wanted to stop by and thank you for your comments, which are also appreciated.
    ~ Livin' Life Through Books

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  5. ALS does suck. Kudos to you and the rest of the walkers.

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