On February 28th, I will be joining 1,000 plus individuals in climbing 66 flights of stairs to the top of Rockefeller Center. Why, you might ask? Well, we are climbing as part of the Climb to the Top, an event that raises funds for the National MS Society to provide research for a cure and programs for those diagnosed. I have registered for round two, because I promised someone very close to me that I would do everything I could to help find a cure.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis, MS for short, is an unpredictable often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. It affects more than 2.3 million people worldwide and is two to three times more common in women than in men. Most people diagnosed with MS are between the ages of 20 and 50.
What is MS to me?
Scary, the progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted. This means that if you are diagnosed, things such as medicine and treatment plans cannot be predicted either. Imagine that, you are diagnosed with something and you have to go on a “trial and error” process to find the right medicine. Even worse some diagnosed with MS never find a medicine that works or find one but can only be on it for so many months because of other health complications it causes.
Also, just the general muscle degeneration and everyday tasks can become painful but, that’s not all. The following are common symptoms of MS:
- Fatigue (Occurs in about 80% of people)
- Numbness or Tingling
- Weakness
- Dizziness and Vertigo
- Walking (Gait) Difficulties
- Spasticity
- Vision Problems
- Bladder/ Bowel Problems
- Pain
- Emotional Changes
- Depression
View from 2015 Climb to the Top
Many who have MS simply can't make anyone else understand exactly what they are feeling and what they are going through. How walking across the street can be dangerously slow and also painful, how daily tasks that they were once able to do with ease make them extremely tired. I do not have MS, but someone close to me does. I have also had the pleasure of meeting other individuals who have MS and they are some of the strongest people I have ever met.
I know that you know what usually comes with blog post like this: “Please donate money”, well, your intuition is correct!! (In all fairness I tried to keep it short and sweet). I promise this is the only time this year I will be asking for donations! Every dollar makes a difference! Below are some gift amounts and how they could help:
$35- Could help deliver self-help groups to support people affect by MS in our community
$65 - Could fund wellness programs aimed at treating the mind, body and spirit
$120- Could help pay for a physical therapy session to manage MS symptoms by enhancing strength and mobility
$200 – Could help fuel the cause to help influence change by engaging elected officials to make MS a national priority
$400- May help fund a research working toward a cure
$1000 – Could provide two consultations with a MS Navigator for nearly 30 people living with MS.
I understand that lots of people can’t donate or have donated to so many other causes. If that’s the case I just ask that you please visit the National MS Society page. They currently have an educational series called Knowledge is Power (KIP) that I urge you to check out to find out more and spread the word.
Thank you for reading and be on the lookout for photos from the Top of Rock!
