My daughter Ashlyn’s symptoms began when she was just 13 years old and it all started with a simple ringing in one of her ears. As her symptoms continued to get worse, her doctor eventually ordered an MRI.  After all the tests were said and done; my daughter was diagnosed with MS in July 2011 at the young age of 14. As a parent you do everything you can to protect and care for your children. Yet when Ashlyn was diagnosed with MS, it was truly the first time I experienced not being able to do anything to make it all better. As a mother, I felt completely helpless. 

Luckily, my daughter has the best attitude about her diagnosis. She is positive and does not let MS get in her way or slow her down. Though she hates taking her daily shots, Ashlyn always takes them because she knows how important they are to her future health. 

In going to Ashlyn’s appointments, my husband and I are always asking her doctors what research is currently being performed. When listening to her doctors, it is amazing to hear their enthusiastic voices while telling us what they are researching and how excited they are for the future. The researchers and doctors would truly not be where they are today if it weren’t for donors supporting the National MS Society.  Knowing what the research dollars are being used for impacted my decision to participate in Walk MS. I feel like Walk MS enables me to help make things better for my daughter. I walk for a brighter future for Ashlyn and for all those diagnosed with this disease. As a mother participating in Walk MS, I am no longer helpless.

SHARE YOUR STORIES

We want to know why you walk. If you are willing to publicly share your Walk MS story, please complete a short survey.