Oscar’s Mom
After the news settled, I quickly learned that each one of my closest friends would have their own way of supporting me through this and I was so blown away by the love I received. Some were there to listen and sympathize, others offered advice and resources, and some even began researching MS to better understand what it was and how it could impact me.
One of my closest friends from grad school, Tuesday, even went as far as to start a team in the annual MS Walk on my behalf. I remember her telling me that she wanted to somehow help in this situation but didn’t know what she could personally do; starting this team was a way that she could make a difference. The team, which she named “Oscar’s Mom” was a nod to my shih tzu, Oscar, who everyone knows is like a child to me.
The Walk MS is a charity walk that raises funds to support groundbreaking research, provide life-changing programs and guarantee a supportive community for those who have multiple sclerosis. It’s one of the biggest fundraising events that the National MS Society hosts and has raised nearly 920 million dollars since it began in 1988.
Tuesday, along with a few other friends and my family, began fundraising on my behalf and we ended up raising an astounding $31,000 – making us one fo the top fundraising teams in Chicago. It’s incredible what was accomplished in such a short amount of time. It is a true testament to the wonderful friends and family I have and am so grateful for.
Tuesday, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such a wonderful friend. You’re one of the kindest and most thoughtful people I know and the entire MS community ultimately has you to thank for all of the fundraising we’ve done to date. Thank you.
