Starting with February 17, 2003, I discovered an unknown vision blur. It would be months before nystagmus had a name and 3 1/2 years before my MS was given a name.
MOVING FORWARD, September 6, 2005, after thousands of tests, MRIʼs, and 9 doctors, I heard those 4 words, “You have Multiple Sclerosis.” I left facing new words and phrases like chronic, disabling, progressive, manageable, and disease modifying therapies.
MOVING FORWARD, January 2006 I discovered the NMSS and signed up my MS Walk team for the first time. The MS Hwy has raised over $25,000 in 5 years of participation. I was introduced to Society staff at a multiple week program for those newly diagnosed. We quickly bonded and by summer I joined the Sewickley Support Group. That fall I was a Peer Support Volunteer. Shortly thereafter, I became a Program Committee member for the local chapter.
MOVING FORWARD, my last day of work was January 26, 2007. After 11 years, 3 promotions, and being the youngest in my peer group by 10 years, I was ending my career with the Fortune 500 company that gave me my start out of college. My MS became chronic, progressive and DISABLING.
MOVING FORWARD, July 2007, I was introduced to advocacy at a NMSS sponsored event. I acted on an Action Alert email and secured my first meeting with my local Congressman. To date, I attended my third Public Policy Conference and I will speak at the GR 101 Presentation. I have gotten 3 Congressman to join the MS Caucus. All 3 of them fully support the CDMRP. I also sit on the PA CAN Committee and the local chapterʼs GRC committee.
MOVING FORWARD, in 2009, I secured entertainment for Phil Keoghanʼs stop in Pittsburgh and have favorably positioned the NMSS with four Pittsburgh CBS Radio Stations who continue to support the NMSS with airtime for PSA’s.
MOVING FORWARD, I currently reside on the NMSS’s Goal Steering Committee that is charged with setting society wide goals that will bring the NMSS through the years 2011 – 2015.
MOVING FORWARD, now at 36, married with 2 young daughters, I am just one small ripple, but coupled with others like me, we can become a TIDAL WAVE of HOPE in the Sea of Change.
