Mar 30, 2009
Local Woman with MS Wins American Dream Contest
The National MS Society, Southern California Chapter congratulates to Wendy Gonzales of Santa Barbara on her win of the “Extreme Home Makeover” American Dream Contest!
In February, local ABC affiliates encouraged people to tell their stories about how they are actively involved in their community, and have fallen upon recent economic hardship as a result of the current financial crisis in for the chance to win their own American Dream. Local winners would receive money toward their American Dream, and the qualified charity of their choice would also receive a donation.
Wendy lives with secondary progressive MS. She had to stop working due to the effects of the disease, making money extremely tight for her family of seven. Her husband works as a bus driver, but has had to take off time to help care for Wendy. The family lives in a 1964 mobile home, which is not accessible. The bills are piling up, especially for medical expenses from Wendy’s MS and her 10 year old son’s cerebral palsy.
Though Wendy and her family struggle daily to make ends meet, Wendy says she is “the type of person who would give you the shirt off my back if that would help. I put others needs before my own.” For example, when a man she knew lost everything in the fires, Wendy gave him her dresser, and now keeps her own clothes in baskets.
Wendy actively volunteers with the National MS Society and fundraises for local programs, services and MS research through Walk MS. She also volunteers for Children's Miracle Network, and recently baked 700 cookies for HOPE FOR HEROES, a program that gives holiday bags to wounded soldiers in San Diego.
Wendy wrote in her application, “As much as I really could use the money, my charity (National MS Society) could use it even more. I want so much to help others that is becoming an obsession as one of my friends put it, that I am addicted to making a difference. This is one addiction I intend to keep and say I'm happy & honored to have!”
In addition to the contest winnings that Wendy received last week, three local businesses 
Thank you again to Wendy for sharing her story and choosing the National MS Society as her charity of choice. And thank you, also, to KEYT-3 (ABC) in Santa Barbara for making these generous donations.
Chapter Senior Development Manager Lisa McCollum, Wendy Gonzales
and Santa Barbara Bank & Trust representative Felicia