It all started with three symptoms.  My walking became unbalanced and I found myself tripping a lot for no apparent reason.  In addition to that, I also had a sharp shooting pain in my ear that would not go away and the scariest symptom of all was that the right side of my neck became completely numb.  Shortly after these symptoms began to surface, I was diagnosed with MS on July 20, 2008, just two weeks before my first anniversary with my husband Jon. Since my diagnosis, I have had several flares but have managed to stay strong and positive, especially with all of the amazing support from Jon, my family and friends!

In May of 2009, we participated in Walk MS Fort Collins for the first time. Every year we have been able to increase our fundraising and the number of team members from the previous year. For 2012 we formed a team (The Multiple Sclerosinators) and had over 20 people on our team! My husband’s company Owens-Illinois, has been extremely instrumental in our fundraising success through their matching donations program, adding an additional $3,000 to our fundraising efforts! We were able to have our family, friends and even complete strangers send money directly to us then have our donation matched by Owens-Illinois. I would never be as successful in Walk MS if my husband Jon wasn't by my side helping me fundraise and if his company wasn’t so generous with matching gifts. My family has also been amazing in helping us to fundraise; their support has been overwhelmingly wonderful.  We look forward to another successful Walk MS in Northern Colorado and we hope you join us!

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