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Almost every hour in
the United States, an adult receives a medical diagnosis that will
change their life forever. The diagnosis: Multiple Sclerosis. Every day,
one third of a million Americans face the incredible challenge of
learning to live with an unpredictable and often devastating disease
that may eventually rob them of significant physical and mental
abilities, their livelihoods, and their independence. It's time to put
an end to multiple sclerosis. Among the devastating setbacks for those
who have multiple sclerosis, is a loss of the ability to put one foot in
front of the other. It affects everybody differently.
You probably know people that have MS, without even realizing it. In
July 2000, I was diagnosed with MS. So as you can see, this challenge is
a two-fold for me. One is to keep my MS at arm’s distance and to keep
the effects of MS away from me as much as possible. And the other is to
raise the funds to help research and find a cure for MS. It is a disease
that most people are unaware of, or are misinformed about. Most people
that I talk to, ask “is that what Jerry’s kids have?” (No, that is MD or
Muscular Dystrophy) or “is that what Michel J. Fox has?” (That is
Parkinson’s disease) I want to educate the public about MS, and this is
my way of doing so. In telling you how common MS is, one of my dearest
friend’s of 35 years, was just diagnosed this year.
I was soon to be training year-round for (speed) walking marathons for
charities and on my own. I completed eight marathons and trained for an
additional two (to help others complete their marathons.) I have also
completed several half-marathons and shorter races (never for
competition, just for myself.) Then I took a couple of years off (maybe
even a few), because life happens. In 2002, I wanted to get back into
marathons. I received a brochure in the mail about the Multiple
Sclerosis 3-day Challenge. That was it! I had to do that, it's my
calling!
Now this is my third year of participating in the 3-Day Challenge. Last
year’s event was once again, a wonderful experience. I have been
training and participating in all kinds of marathons, runs, walks etc.
since about 1993.
Some people have asked me if I would do this again or what would I do to
change this? My answer is “Yes I will do this again and again and I
would not change a thing.” No, I do not enjoy the blisters or the pain
(and I do still have my achilles-tendonidis.) For each experience (good
or bad) it was one that I will learn from.
If I help just one person, it will be worth any pain that I have
endured. That is what makes me happy and fulfils my life. Each time I do
this, I meet great people that will become a part of my life - that I
will truly treasure.
I am one of the lucky one’s. Yes, I have had attacks. I am not lucky to
have MS, but, even though I do have my difficult times, I am fortunate
because I can do this. I am lucky because I can walk, and because I can
lead a normal life. There are days when I am feeling bad because I was
only able to walk five miles, but then I think about those that can’t
walk around the block.
I am doing this Challenge for them. The National Multiple Sclerosis
Society, the MS Challenge Walk affirms their commitment to stop MS. By
my participation in the MS Challenge Walk, I am joined by thousands of
people across the nation, united in the fight to end the devastating
effects of multiple sclerosis.
The MS Challenge Walk is about moving beyond our limits... physically by
walking 50 miles and philanthropically by raising $1,500 or more. It is
a journey of love and compassion, challenge and support. It is about
stretching beyond the limits. This is a walk of determination to do the
right thing, to make the world a better place. One long journey over
three days will shorten the road to the cure for multiple sclerosis. The
MS Challenge Walk offers many challenges. For some walkers, the greatest
challenge will be the training. That is not my greatest challenge.
On top of me doing this challenge, I also host training walks every
Saturday to help others prepare for this journey. My greatest challenge
is the fundraising. In order for me to participate, I will need to raise
$1500 by July 2004. I need your help. You can either send a check to me,
payable to the National MS Society or by going to www.mschallengewalk.org and enter my name (that’s Jayne Bywaters) to
sponsor me.
I want to thank you in advance for all of your support. I will keep you
informed of my progress.
Sincerely,
Jayne Bywaters
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