Ambassadors and Familiar Faces
By Jacob Morales, volunteer writer
When Karen Francisco was diagnosed with MS in December of 2003, she thought her life was over. The news that she had MS affected Karen in ways she never expected. But ever since she started to volunteer at Walk MS, her attitude has definitely improved. Seeing volunteers who were in wheelchairs and using canes showed Karen that she could not give up; no matter what the future holds, she has to keep going forward. After all, these new friends she had been making were moving forward, so why couldn’t she?
Karen’s persistent son, Scott, tried for two years to get her to participate in either Walk MS or Bike MS. In 2005, his persistence paid off when they created the team Ironic Stompin’ and were out in full force at Walk MS. That first year the team consisted of Karen, her husband, son, daughter-in-law and 10 month old granddaughter. They were all thrilled to walk for someone they loved and cared deeply about.
While 2005 would be the last time Karen would walk in the event, she started volunteering annually at the South Sound Walk MS in 2010 and has been volunteering ever since.
With all of her experience in previous events, Karen was kind enough to give some friendly advice to new volunteers, “Help where you can. The only way these events can happen is with the help of many. If the work seems overwhelming, just remind yourself you’re doing this for all those who can’t. Finding a cure is a battle that we can – and will – win.”
If you run into Karen at the South Sound Walk MS next year, be sure to give her a high five for all of her hard work over the years. She is a welcomed source of positivity that every walk would be lucky to have!