Spring for a Cure Raised Over $30K for MS

April 23, 2018 1 Comment

Category: Activism
Tags: MS, MS Fundraiser, Modern Day MS, Spring for a Cure, WAlk MS, multiple sclerosis

Oh, what a night! On Thursday, April 19, over 150 fellow friends, family members and MSers came together for Spring for a Cure, a fundraiser in support of finding a cure for a MS. The drinks were flowing, the music was on point and good vibes were definitely in the air. Together, we raised over $30,000 for the National MS Society and had just a little bit of fun in the process 😉

What started as a unique way to raise funds for my Walk MS team and expand my efforts to find a cure for the disease morphed into an magical evening that had a lasting impression on all who attended. (You can read more about the inspiration behind it all here). Thanks to Loft on Lake, who graciously donated the space, we had the perfect backdrop to educate and inspire all attendees to take action and give generously through our silent auction with over 50 packages of unique experiences. The gorgeous open space and brick loft at Loft on Lake was ideal for the intimate cocktail party, and the open sky light made the perfect focal point of the night. Thanks to Art of Imagination, we added majestic greenery and hanging lights from the ceiling which just looked beautiful. They also created a lounge area to make the space more cozy and stylish.

But the true highlight of the night was bringing together my fellow MSers – women who I have spoken to countless times, interacted with on social media and through my blog but never had the chance to meet in person. Strangers who have since become my friends. I gave a speech during the event and the focus was tackling unexpected news with the things you could control. One of the ways I tackled my diagnosis was through this blog, through communicating and interacting with others in a similar position, by leaning on my fellow MSers just as they leaned on me. Together we’ve helped support one another through some of the scariest days of our lives. And to see us all come together – physically on stage – to recognize one another, our shared connection to stand up to MS, was so powerful. It was without a doubt the best part of the night. I am so proud of my friends and all we’ve accomplished together!

We also enjoyed an update in the MS world from Sarah Rodriguez, the National MS Society, IL Chapter president. She shared what new research studies and medications are in the works and how the focus of MS has shifted to repairing the disease rather than just preventing further disability.

So many familiar faces came near and far to join this special evening. Huge thanks to my host committee for getting such a great group of people together and helping me along the way: Lucia Annunzio, Allyson Weaver Bunker, Carolann Randall, Barbara Chun, Elizabeth Hess, Omar Ishaq, Courtney Lyons, Modern Day MS, Kevin Tynan, Bill Randall, and Christine Twisselman. Thank you to Whitney Reynolds, our host, who brought such a positive energy to the night!

See below for some great shots from the night thanks to Ocken Photography! Huge thanks to everyone who came out to support the National MS Society!

I’m also so appreciative of the generosity of our sponsors, specifically ComEd, Loft on Lake, Art of Imagination, Center for High Performance, CR Productions, Davis Imperial Cleaners, Huron Consulting, The Pritzer Pucker Family Foundation and SocialChow.

Because of them, this event was possible!