Six years ago, Maggie Smith was desperate to find ways to support her brother, Kevin, who was diagnosed with MS at the age of 28. “I wasn’t the one with MS, and it was hard because I didn’t know what to do,” said Maggie. At the time, many of the events available seemed too overwhelming for someone who was recently diagnosed. After less than successful attempts at finding activities her whole family, and most importantly her brother, would enjoy, Maggie searched online and stumbled upon MS Slugfest. For a family of South-Siders and big-time ball players, MS Slugfest was perfect.

In 2010, the entire Smith family rallied together, formed an MS Slugfest team and impressively raised over $5,000 in their very first year. Rain or shine, MS Slugfest quickly became the Smith family’s signature event. “My husband always teases me because when I wake up the morning of Slugfest I always say, ‘This is my favorite day of the year’,” said Maggie. “It is just the happiest day when family and friends come together. To see them all having fun and knowing we’re doing something for my brother and everyone with MS — it’s great.”

The following month, after a warm welcome at MS Slugfest, Maggie joined Multiple Solutions, the Greater Illinois Chapter’s Junior Board. The Junior Board is responsible for fundraising events that include MS Slugfest, MS Pub Crawl and MS Soirée, the latter of which Maggie will be leading up in her new role as Development Chair for Soirée. “I think it has been so cool to have gone from a person who wanted to help, but didn’t know what I was capable of, to now being a part of the executive committee,” said Maggie. As a member of the Junior Board since 2010, Maggie is happy to have found her niche. “The great thing about the MS Society is that you can be involved as little or as much as you want. It is a great community where everyone is connected to the cause. There is always a common ground, you never feel alone and there are so many people who are willing to help you.”