Hello, Salesforce
Recently, I had the opportunity to share my story with MS to the incredible team at Salesforce. For the past four years, Salesforce has hosted an all-day event with proceeds going to the National MS Society. This year, they raised over $15K, which is only a small fraction of the $500K they raise annually through their largest event, Bike MS. Isn’t that incredible? I am so blown away by this company.
I was honored to share my story when learning of this event and all Salesforce was doing to support a cause I’m so passionate about. I’ve actually never spoken publicly about my illness – especially to over 200 people – but it went off without a hitch. After some initial nerves, I told the story that’s changed my life and it was almost relieving to get it off my chest. I talked about my diagnoses, the aftermath and how I got to where I am today. It was important for me to stress one point that they could hold onto that resonates with me daily:
“Things happen in life that are unexpected. You can’t change them, and you can’t control. You can only control your reaction to them.”
I believe wholeheartedly that it was / is my determination to live Well and Strong that has allowed me to be. Attitude goes a hell of a long way. The response I received from the audience made my initial fears seem silly and my message feel significant.
I’m so grateful to have had this experience and to have met some truly wonderful people through it, specifically new friends Rishi and Rob, who are an inspiration to me with how they’ve faced their illnesses as well. I have such respect and appreciation for Salesforce as a company and how they’ve stood by their employees as they’ve also undergone obstacles due to MS.
I’m also thankful for the opportunity to share my story. It’s helped me realize that I can use my voice to do more than just write. I can speak to inform, engage and raise awareness for MS, which is a step I’m now excited to take.
**If you are part of a company, school or non-profit organization that’s looking to learn more about MS, please reach out. Thank you.
