This is why we walk

A new study funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has confirmed that nearly 1 million people are living with MS in the United States, more than twice the original estimate from a previous study. That is proof positive that those of us living with Multiple Sclerosis truly are one in a million!

This gives us a million reasons to raise money and walk in the annual NMSS Walk MS event again this year. Sure, I don’t walk and haven’t been able to for more than 17 years, but this is yet another reason why Dan and I am walking May 11 in Frankenmuth.

I have lead our walk team of family and friends – Team MonsterS – for the past 16 years, and we consistently are among the top fundraising teams in Michigan. Money raised supports NMSS programs and research, and we are continuing to see positive results from these efforts.

At the end of March, the FDA approved two new MS treatments. Mavenclad and Mayzent were approved for people living with Relapsing Forms of MS and also active Secondary Progressive MS. How exciting!

When Dan and I were diagnosed 20 years ago, there are only three medications available to treat MS, and now there are more than 15 drugs on the market. Such progress is why we continue to walk.

And when my childhood best friend reached out to me to discuss some crazy symptoms she was having, I learned that I have another reason to walk: she was diagnosed with MS.

This is a wicked disease that unapologetically and relentlessly attacks who it wants, when it wants. It has the power to slow us down, but it will not stop us!

And this is why we walk.

You can help in our efforts to stay one step ahead of this disease today by visiting our team’s website and making your tax-deductible donation. We appreciate anything you can do to join us and nearly a million others nationwide who are living with MS.