Mar 11, 2009
Multiple Sclerosis Trumps Sumo Wrestling
Beth Norviel
Multiple Sclerosis Trumps Sumo Wrestling; Self-Proclaimed “Non-Girlie” Walk MS Participant’s Contribution To Moving Toward A World Free Of MS
When saying the word “sumo-wrestling,” one typically thinks of two very large strong MEN battling it out in undershorts that just never seem to quite cover like they should. And when we think of someone having Multiple Sclerosis competing in a sumo-wrestling match, well most of us just can’t imagine it. But National Multiple Sclerosis Society Gateway Area Chapter Walk MS participant, Amy Thomas, made a pledge after receiving her diagnosis of MS in 2006 that she would not let the disease take over her life. Living by her self-created mantra of: “MS does not define who I am; it is merely another component of life to manage,” Thomas has held many fundraisers to support her walks over the years but none as popular as a “sumo-wrestling” challenge. Initially thinking the idea was a joke, but after speaking with friends discovered it would be a great way to raise money. While “Sumo Saturday,” was a great success and is still talked about today, Amy’s upcoming participation in the April 19th Edwardsville, IL Walk MS event serves as a reminder that the fight must go on. With Walk MS events held throughout the St. Louis metro area beginning April 4-May 2nd, Thomas believes everyone’s participation is crucial in order to understand how far-reaching the disease is.
“A few years ago I held a sumo wrestling challenge with big sumo suits. It was very comical and is still talked about today. ‘Girlie’” says Amy “is not a word that is used often to describe me. But on many occasions the response and support of those around me…almost moves me to tears. From a very selfish standpoint, I utilize my involvement in the Walk MS event or any MS event as a confidence booster and as a way to continually educate others about MS.”
While the annual National MS Society Gateway Area Chapter Walk MS events give Amy hope that a cure will be found some day, she believes that people need to know that there are many faces to the disease.
“MS has many faces. It is natural for society to stereotypically think of the disease and disability as a physically visible impairment. This common misperception is frustrating, as it is more difficult for people to understand that MS is a disease, a real disease, when they cannot ‘see’ that something is wrong. I think the reality of ‘it could be anyone around me’ sinks in when I speak with people.”