Mary Virginia Hill was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1985. At the age of 37, Mary was a fulltime teacher and program coordinator before MS forced her to go on disability through CA State Teachers Retirement. Fearful of her future, Mary called upon her family, friends and co-workers for support.
“Once I learned to accept it and not fight it, I realized I could slow down, enjoy life more, volunteer and become active in the community.” Most importantly, Mary continues to participate in fundraisers and swim in the ocean, which is one of her passions.
Among the many programs and services offered, Mary utilizes the National MS Society for financial support, equipment loans and participates in MS Yoga classes on a weekly basis, where she has developed many friendships that have extended into her life outside of class. Mary has participated in Walk MS for 10 years, captaining her team Hill’s Angels, and is a member of Elite Feet (the top fundraiser club for Walk MS). This year, she has decided to participate in Bike MS as a Virtual Rider. Her Hill's Angels team will ride instead of walk! Mary volunteers as a lunch stop captain for Bike MS and Challenge Walk MS, and solicits donations for the MS Dinner Auction. As if that weren't enough, she is also part of the MS Ambassadors Speakers Bureau. It was at the “Turning the Tides on MS” open water relay swim event in 2001 where Mary met her life partner Richard and they have been together ever since.
“The fundraising events make me feel happy and fulfilled to be able to help ‘give back’ and ‘pay it forward.’ It shows others with MS that life is good and to continue using your strengths to help others, which in turn, helps yourself.”
Living with MS is never easy, but Mary continues to manage her symptoms through swimming, yoga, meditation, diet, and most importantly, positive thinking. Mary enjoys spending time with Richard and their extended families, as well as her Canine Companions for Independence Service Dog Indy She continues to contribute her time volunteering, acting as an advocate for disability awareness and helping others on a regular basis.
The biggest change for Mary is not only learning to deal with the uncertainty and loss of control but accepting the challenge and learning new ways to accomplish things. “Life with MS is better that it was before because I am honest with myself and others. I am realistic about my limitations and I continue to find other ways to deal with them.”
Though the cause of multiple sclerosis is not known, it is a disease of the central nervous system typically diagnosed in the prime-of-life years, ages 20-50. At least two to three times more women than men are living with MS, the most common neurological disease leading to disability in young adults. To learn more about MS, Mary, chapter programs and services, fundraising events, sponsorship/underwriting chapter activities, or to donate, email Heather.Cavazos@nmss.org, visit www.MSpacific.org or call 1-800-486-6762.
Written by volunteer Leslie Christofferson