National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Northern California Chapter

Posted by Mike on Jul 3, 2011 in Trunning | 1 comment

Having MS does not mean life is over as you know it, but is simply a detour in life, and one must learn to adapt to this disorder. Thousands of Americans are diagnosed with MS each year, but continue to live their lives as normal as possible. Many celebrities today have been diagnosed and are living with MS –

• Montel Williams – Former Navy Seal and talk show host, who has dedicated his life to educating others on life with MS, and has also created his own MS foundation to support continued research for a cure on MS.
• Maureen Manley – Olympic Cyclist, now life coach, lives with MS today, and is still living an active lifestyle despite her diagnosis.
• Neil Cavuto – Lead anchor on the Fox News channel, and frequent volunteer in helping to raise awareness of MS, and simply takes life with MS one day at a time.

These celebrities are a testimate to how life can still go on, regardless of their diagnosis. They could easily give up on life, but have chosen to live life instead, and reach out to others who either have MS, or have close relationships with others who may have MS.  I had a co-worker a few years ago who was diagnosed with MS in his early twenties, which to me, seemed like a major setback to his life, but his positive perspective on life, and acceptance of having MS, proved me wrong. He lives a normal life, has a wonderful support system with his wife and 2 kids, and like the celebrities I mentioned above, takes life with MS one day at a time.

A common theme with the celebrities I have mentioned, and the countless people who volunteer their time to raise awareness and financial support for MS research, is that they all stay involved, persevere through difficult days, and stay active physically. A large part of the funding for MS research comes from races held throughout the country, and with the theme of my blog – traveling and running races – I am recommending northern California as your next destination to run a race! The National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Northern California Chapter, has several races listed on their site you can register for to help them raise money in MS research, and eventually, a cure for MS! In fact, I am very much a wine lover, and love to run, so think the Napa Valley Marathon will be a great race to support the NMSS-Northern California Chapter!

For more information on the Napa Valley race, and how you can help raise funding and awareness on MS, please visit the NMSS-Northern California Chapter’s website. Information is also available in regards to training for races and fund raising, and MS Society team members are available to help or answer your questions. Happy Trails!