Walk MS

This weekend was the Walk MS: St Clair event. Every year we participate in the Walk MS: Frankenmuth, MI and Walk MS: Rochester, MI. This year we decided to switch it up a little and participate in different location. St Clair, MI is beautiful. It's right on the water, there's a gorgeous pier, and cute shops and restaurants to explore. A couple of years ago we met a patient ambassador, Heather, who we have since become good friends with. She's a smart, funny, kind, and inspirational woman. She's a fighter just like my mom. She isn't afraid to share the good, bad, and ugly about her journey with MS. She asked us and our MS community if we would like walk with her and be apart of her team, Hedd'y Heros. Of course we would! But wait! It's on the same day as the Frankenmuth walk. It's tradition we walk Frankenmuth. But since Heather is the one asking, I'm in. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful morning. We were on the water, we were with family and friends, and we were having a good time. There's nothing but love, support, inspiration, and determination at the walks. Between the vendors, volunteers, teams, and peers it really is a great community we got.

Every walk has 2 routes, a 1 mile and a 3 mile. We stick with the 1 mile. Every time we participate in a walk we end up dead last or 2nd to last. But that is okay. It's not about what number you end up at. It's about getting out there and participating, engaging, and being apart of the community. I don't care if we're dead last out of a million people. The fact that my mom gets out there and tries is all once could ask for. 

I would recommend the walks to anyone in the MS community. Those living with MS, care partners, friends and family, and coworkers to all join in. Don't feel like you have to complete it. You do what you can. I told my mom this year that if you can only walk to the corner and back, then that's all we'll do. You go at your pace, you do what you're comfortable with, and don't worry about anybody else. If you need a cane, use it. If you need a walker or wheelchair, use it. Just go and have fun! Dress up, make t-shirts, wear orange, make it an unforgettable day to remember. 

Coming in dead last is greater than not finishing at all. That beats not even trying at all.