Dear Family, Friends and Colleagues,
On October 30, 2011, I will be running the Marine Corp Marathon in Washington, DC for my mom and truest friend, Sarah Patrick and the countless others who live and fight multiple sclerosis (MS) every day. In her honor, I aim to give back locally to Multiple Sclerosis Resources of Central New York (http://www.msrofcny.org).
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, debilitating disease that attacks the central nervous system. MS symptoms differ from person to person. Symptoms may include extreme fatigue, numbness in the limbs, loss of vision, speech disorders and decreased mobility.
My mom was diagnosed with MS in 1998. Since then, she has gone from climbing mountains and chasing after her five young children to using a walker and a wheelchair for mobility. MS is an unpredictable and often scary disease, however, despite setbacks, my mom is the most courageous person I know. Everyday, she gets out of bed and pushes her physical and mental limits, all while being an amazing mother, wife and friend.
Part of what gives my mom strength is being part of the MS community in Syracuse, NY. MS Resources of Central New York is a local non-profit organization whose mission is to help people in the area with multiple sclerosis meet their everyday needs. Founded in 1998, the organization provides many services to over 1,400 clients. Services include educational programs, transportation to neurology appointments and financial support for aqua therapy and land exercise programs.
My mom has directly benefited from the aqua therapy program and the informational meetings. These programs help her both physically and emotionally as they link her to a support network of people facing similar difficulties.
Please support my goal to raise $4,000 for this worthy organization that is important to me, my family and especially my mom.
To donate, please click the "Donate to MSR of CNY" link on the right which will take you to a page where you can securely make your donation. If you have any questions, please contact me via this website or by emailing me at kpatrick26@gmail.com.
Thank you for making a difference!
Best regards,
Katie
*Thanks to all of you who have already given! I have been overwhelmed by your kindness. Today (September 26th, 2011), we updated the donation link to reflect the fund raising progress. Unfortunately, it currently does not show the contributions made before this date. We are doing everything in our power to remedy this situation as soon as possible, and I am forever grateful for your support!
