Aug 04, 2009
Lisbon Woman Taking The Lead In Fighting MS
Sean O'Leary, Communications Specialist
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lisbon Woman Taking The Lead In Fighting MS
LISBON, Conn. – For nearly a decade, Jody Donaldson struggled physically and emotionally with baffling sensory problems.
There was pain in her hips, she lost the feeling in her extremities at times and her sight often betrayed her for no apparent reason. She was incorrectly diagnosed with fibromyalgia. She was even led to believe by some that her problems were psychological, that she wasn’t actually ill at all.
Then by sheer coincidence, the answer to her lingering questions suddenly surfaced.
“I had been injured at work and I had to go for an MRI,” Donaldson explained. “That’s when the doctors found lesions on my spine and I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. It was certainly a surprise but it was also a relief. I now knew what was wrong and that it wasn’t just in my head.”
“It was the right event to get involved with at the right time,” shared Donaldson. “It’s a perfect afternoon of fun with amazing food and being pampered. I’m looking forward to spending the day with my girl friends and enjoying the atmosphere.”
Erin Donaldson, who is attending Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, participated in her first Walk MS event earlier this year at the walk held at the university.
“It was the first time I became aware of the National MS Society and the events that are held,” she said. “After I did Walk MS, I decided that I would do anything to help and the Escape to the Heritage Trail event seemed like the perfect opportunity.”
The younger Donaldson’s desire to get more involved and raise awareness is fueled by her mother’s determination in fighting MS.
“My mother is a really strong person,” she said. “It’s been hard to know that she’s living with MS but she has never let it affect her and it really inspires me.”
Both mother and daughter are volunteer committee members for the Escape to the Heritage Trial, which will feature a wine tasting and gourmet treats carefully crafted by author, Heritage Trail Vineyards president and chef Harry Schwartz. The day also includes a local artist show, relaxing light music, silent auction, silent drawing prizes, complimentary facials, massages and manicures.
Erin and Jody Donaldson share more than being committee members – both are in the field of physical therapy. Erin Donaldson will be starting her second year of physical therapy classes at Sacred Heart while Jody Donaldson is a physical therapist for St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport.
Jody Donaldson credited her profession with giving her a unique opportunity to learn about MS as many of her patients are also living with the disease.
“I see a wide variety of people with MS, from those who are in wheelchairs to those who, like me, are walking and active but still have struggles,” she described. “The most important thing I see is to stay active and, to me, that’s been a huge part of being able to stabilize my disease.”
More than 6,000 Connecticut residents, like Jody Donaldson, are affected by multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system. The cause is unknown and, as a result, there is currently no cure for MS. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.
Funds raised by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter, through events, such as Escape to the Heritage Trail, ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments and a cure, as well as to provide vital programs and services offered by the chapter to those in the state living with multiple sclerosis.
Escape to The Heritage Trail will be held at the Heritage Trail Vineyards, 291 North Burnham Highway, in Lisbon, Saturday, Aug. 22, from 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and proceeds benefit the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please call Jessica McNabola at 860-913-2550, ext. 287, or e-mail jmcnabola@ctfightsMS.org. To learn more about the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org.
8/4/09
Sean O'Leary
Communications Specialist
National MS Society - Connecticut Chapter
659 Tower Avenue, First Floor
Hartford, CT 06112
tel 860.913.2550, ext. 249
soleary@ctfightsMS.org
www.ctfightsMS.org