Personable, outgoing, driven and sincere ̶ these are just a few words that describe this month’s Everyday Hero.  

Since being diagnosed with MS March 12, 2008, Belinda James hasn’t been one to dwell on her diagnosis. She would rather put her energy into creating awareness, making a difference, and helping others. Above all, she is a proud participant of the National MS Society. You can witness her warm smile mingling throughout the crowds at events like the Annual Fannie & Charles Penikoff Research Symposium or MS² Soireé.

“Even though I have a disability, I am still a member of many organizations,” says Belinda.  “I am a member of the South Cook Self-Help Support Group that I have attended since 2009; it’s a wonderful group of people living and dealing with MS. I am also on the Chicago Heights Historic Preservation Advisory Committee, Parliamentarian for the Amicae of Alsip for Tau Psi Zeta sorority, Amicae Parliamentarian for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and I attend Prairie State College, where I will be graduating in December of 2015 with a 3.0 GPA. In addition, I have been accepted into the Governor State University B.A. Social Work Program for spring 2016.”

Belinda’s awards and accolades are endless, and so are her fundraising and outreach efforts. She is a proud recipient of our Tremendous 200 award for her outstanding fundraising efforts toward MS Research with Walk MS. She spearheaded the establishment of the Chili’s restaurant fundraiser in the state of Illinois, where proceeds from this effort benefit Walk MS. This great stride is one of many.  She also hosts a Facebook page, “Living My Life to the Fullest with MS,” where she shares resources and engages in uplifting conversation as a means to support others enduring a similar journey.

Many may ask, ‘How does she keep fighting, and not let the disability win?’ Belinda states, “Prayer is number one. Secondly, you must believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, then who will? Finally, you must fight with all your might. There is only one winner in this game, and that is you!”