Much of the multiple sclerosis "news" that I see in my Google Alerts has to do with fundraising events. These take the form of long-distance bicycle rides, walks, hikes, dances, luncheons - seems like pretty much any group activity can be used to raise money for MS.
Many of these events are out of the question for me, just based on the fact that they might be too rigorous or held during a hot part of the year. Others sound interesting to me, but so far, life has intervened and prevented me from participating. I think these organizations do wonderful things for many people, including raising awareness about our disease among the people who do end up participating by raising funds and biking 150 miles or walking for a couple of hours.
I'm curious about the rest of you. Do you participate in MS fundraising events? Which ones? How did you select which one to get involved with? What is your main reason for participating? Tell us in the comments section below.
I participated in a walk several years ago, but I found it so strenuous that I was a wreck for a week. I try to concentrate on educating others about MS and being specific about my symptoms when asked. I also ask my friends and family for donations every five years. Asking every year becomes a burden for others.
Sitting around feeling sad ad sorry for you is the easiest and best way to speed up the MS downhill spiral to nowhere. Getting involved in raising money to find the MS Cure is fun, gets you out and about and adds money to bring the Cure closer. In Australia Foundation 5 million plus has raised close to $6 million…. all by people with MS and our friends and families. If we in little Australia can do it — about 100 of the 20,000 with the disease here, how many millions would be raised if everyone everywhere with it just raised a few hundred dollars each year?? GO FOR IT I say. Holland is taking up the F5M idea and others agree it’s up to US with MS to get involved. What do others think??
I do the MS Walk every year for the past 3 years. It makes me feel good to do something positive.
Our MS Walk event does *NOT* require that you walk for a couple of hours, just come out, have a good time and walk if you’d like!
Yes! My wife and I formed a cycling team right after I was diagnosed in 2008 to ride the Waves to Wine event for the Northern California MS Society. We have at least 4 people on our team of 65 that have been diagnosed with MS and we have raised over $250,000 so far! For those who cannot ride, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities to support the event.
I know one man who has ridden this ride for many years. In recent years he has been blinded by MS, but he still trains at home on a stationary bike, and rides the event on the back of a tandem!
I know MS affects everyone differently, but I would encourage everyone to look for opportunities to participate in whatever capacity they can.
Many years ago I manned the SAG wagon for one of the MS bike rides. I had a good time doing it. A few years ago, my wife and I tried to volunteer for the MS150. We got hit with so many fund raising requests we gave up on it. We wanted to volunteer to help those who were raising the funds but we were also expected to raise money as well. It left a bad taste in our mouths and we haven’t volunteered again.
No, I don’t participate in fundraisers.
I love helping with the MS Walk, but I do so as a volunteer not a walker. I help at the registration tent, where I can sit and talk up the contributions, resigter the walkers or hand out t-shirts. Love helping OUR cause and have a great time. You don’t have to actually walk or ride to participate in the events!
We will be hosting our “3rd Annual Multiple Sclerosis Association of El Paso, TX Walk/Awareness” event on Oct 6, 2012. This event has helped us raise much needed funds and awareness. It is so rewarding to hear those attending say things like ” I thought I was all alone” or “I now have were to go and whom to speak too”. Those of us of afflicted may not partake of the actual walk but we help out by being “greeters” and Thanking all of the attendees. Donations are used to help defry the cost of new or used medical equitment and to help with the cost to repair and reburbished donated items (i.e. ramps, grab bars, wheel chairs, lifts etc.) We may be diabled be we are able…..
Samuel (Sam) Silvas, Sr.
MSAEP President
No, but since 2010 I’ve been participating in “Do It Yourself Fundraising.” If anyone is interest, my fundraiser can be found under “A World Free of MS” at http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/njm/fundraising-events/community-events/index.aspx.
Sorry, the link above included the period hopefully this works…
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/njm/fundraising-events/community-events/index.aspx
I participate in walks and did sky dive for MS one year. While the walk tires me, it empowers me too.
Yes, I participate in Bike the Bluegrass in Ky. Diagnosed in 2004. I have participated and raised money each year. Last year I had to back down on my distance to 50 miles. Legs and heat are becoming a factor. Keep on rolling !!!
I entered the Bike MS Bay to Bay event for the first time for two reasons. First, the fundraising minimum goes a long way in helping MSers get the programs and services needed.
Second, I do the event for exercise and because I do not want my MS to get in the way of doing things that I love. I am stronger and healthier which is a huge benefit to my life with MS.
Hope everyone is well.
Best,
Christie
Team Luca
http://tinyurl.com/93dyag5
yes and no. i had a support grp write on the jersy numbers for the upcoming bike ride, and solicited funds by mail a few years ago and ended up just sending a personal check, as i backed down from the challenge. why? i’m not sure, as i know how much it helps. maybe because it was a dreaded part of my last job. GO BIKERS, WALKERS, ETC!!!!!!
I don’t participate. As was pointed out, most fundraisers are athletic/activity based. I’m in my 20th year with MS. Most days standing & walking are challenges. But I can & love to cook/bake. You’ve given me a great idea… Stir for a cure! Yes a cake walk! Why not? Everybody loves yummy goodies, you can bake at your own pace & a cake walk is just a tasty leisurely stroll ! Wish me luck !
I had planned to walk unaided in the MS walk in April 2012 but ended up having a knee replacement instead. So now, with two new knees and after one really bad relapse after surgery I am in training for the walk in 2013, hopefully unaided but I will be realistic–my goal is to walk, however I can. My son is riding in the Tour To Tanglewood this weekend 9/15 and 9/16 (100 miles Saturday, 65 miles Sunday) and I will be there as a Linking Lives Volunteer. His goal for this year was $1,000 but we actually have raised $2,300. This will be his second year riding and I am so proud of him. I was “officially” diagnosed with MS in 2003 although, in looking back, I believe I had my first attack in 1965.
I participated for the first time in the Bike MS Oregon this year. Other than being over 100 degrees in the afternoon of the 100-mile ride, it was great!
I guess many years ago I developed a personal motto of “Just Keep Moving”. At my last appointment, my doctor said compared to other MS’ers at the same disease stage, health-wise I was heads above everyone. She went on to say that she thinks that because I want to just keep moving is having a positive influence on my disease path.
With that said, after enrolling for the ride, I started reading more blogs and such of other MS patients. I know more about MSer’s that are having difficulties doing life. I am thankful that I can still do things athletically. It makes me want to do more to raise money to support all MSer’s. Although MS may not be cured in my life, the money raised now supports programs to improve the life of fellow MSer’s.
I didn’t participate in MS fundraising events. Your blog is informative. Fundraising events like the form of long-distance bicycle rides, walks, dances etc. can be done and much people can get effective result from its.
My husband started a Walk MS team in 2006 about a year and a half after I was diagnosed with MS. I’ve participated in the walk every year since. I’m fortunate I can do so and think it’s a fun way to gather our family together and do something for a good cause.
When I was 17 my best friend at school had 2 lovely sisters and a brother, all younger than him. I am now 57 and have run 51 marathons, several for charities. Now I have found that one of my friends sisters has MS with all that that entails. It is very sad in particular because she had a very good job travelling the world.
It gives me inspiration to run a marathon for MS, and I have been planning to run the Quito marathon for several years. Since Ecuador has now become political, in that it has offered political asylum to Julian Assange the journalist, I have decided to run it for MS, but if anyone prefers they can sponsor me for Amnesty International instead or as well.
I dont really want to take sides, so A.I. are a good impartial organisation to help with human rights issues.
Anyway, my fundraising page is http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Ecuador
I plan to make a film as well, but i’m not sure that anyone will want to see it, if any of my past efforts are anything to go by!.
MS has to be cured one day soon.
Nick.
PS It may not go ahead, but there’s always next year!.