Why I'm Running for MS

I chose to dedicate my run to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in honor of a close family friend I've known for most of my life as "Aunt Christine." I'm almost ashamed to say I don't know much about her battle with MS; I couldn't tell you when she was first diagnosed or exactly what symptoms she experiences. I thought about asking her more about her story so I could fill in the blanks for this web page, but then I realized the reason I don't know these things is not because I'm not a caring person, it is because Christine doesn't let MS define who she is.

One thing I do know about her is that she is a strong advocate and champion for the MS Society in the Saginaw, MI community. Through her efforts, she consistently raises over $20,000 annually for the MS Society from local businesses and individuals. She really is a great role model and inspiration to me.

About MS

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that is the result of damage to myelin - the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system. When myelin is damaged it interferes with messages between the brain and other parts of the body.

Symptoms vary widely and include blurred vision, weak limbs, pain, tingling sensations, unsteadiness, fatigue, and sometimes paralysis. For some people with MS, the disease is characterised by periods of relapse and remission while for others it has a progressive pattern. For everyone, it makes life unpredictable.

Approximately two million people around the world have MS. In the northern hemisphere it is the most common neurological condition amongst young adults. It affects about three females to every male and the symptoms often begin to show when an individual is in their early 30s.

However, there is hope, and your donations do help. Fourteen years ago, there were no medications for treating MS, today there are six. For more information about MS, visit the National MS Society website or Donate.