At age 40, Sally Brown made her health a priority. She was an "at-home" mom with five active children ranging in age from 3 to 13, and “most of the neighborhood in my backyard.” The year was 1992. “I ran six miles a day (great stress reliever for busy moms) and put at least 100 miles weekly on my bicycle,” remembers Sally. However, after experiencing vision problems, numbness and random weakness in her legs, Sally was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Sally wondered, “Would I become ‘disabled’?"
Sally rushed into the workforce and became an advocate of state rehabilitation. For four years she worked in doctor’s offices, with x-ray technology, and was a medical assistant. Sally also stayed physically active and rode in the Bike MS Tour for six years, beginning in 1993. In 1994, at the peak of her cycling days, she rode in a Society fundraiser in the south of France that covered 250 miles in six days.
Sally recalls her denial about MS, “At that time, I didn’t go to Walk MS because I didn’t want to see people in wheelchairs.” However, after giving up cycling and with her MS symptoms worsening, Sally began utilizing such chapter services as summer energy assistance, and attending programs like the day at the bay, holiday brunch, Annual Meeting of Members and research symposiums.
Due to worsening symptoms, Sally soon stopped working. She was often using a scooter, and in 2000 began relying on her first power wheelchair. In 2002, Sally got a Baclofen pump to help ease her spasticity. “I’m very fortunate that my doctor listens to me and works with me,” says Sally, who has become an advocate for the pump.
Though Sally was receiving disability income, it wasn’t covering her needs. In 2006, Sally applied for a job at Sam’s Club and became a greeter. Sally enjoys working three days a week. “It’s a neighborhood store in a small town where I’ve lived for almost 30 years. I often run into people that I forgot I knew – like people whose kids went to kindergarten with mine.” In 2009, Sally was honored with an award from the city of Fountain Valley – a Disability-Friendly Business Award created to recognize a Fountain Valley business and/or individual for outstanding service in the business community that assists disabled persons.
“I get to do a lot of outreach as a Sam’s Club greeter, and in the world of the disabled,” comments Sally who indicates that she has a lot of community support. “Everybody recognizes me, and people stop to pat me on the back for continuing to work.” Working also allows Sally to afford things she needs, like car maintenance and her “special mattress that prevents pressure sores.” Sally says that “even if it got to the point that I didn’t really need the money, I would continue working. It’s great being independent, even though people wonder why I do what I do.”
Sally lives at home with two of her children and one grandchild. Though she is reliant on her wheelchair full-time, she is able to take care of most of her own needs. “I am very independent,” Sally states, “and I keep up on the internet with everything the Society puts out.” She does water aerobics twice a week, and between exercise and work she often “runs out of energy.”
Sally is a Champion for many chapter events. She shares her story to help fundraisers better understand and relate to MS, and shares her insights: “It’s all about the positive outlook. Each day is a challenge and we never know what it may be.” She fundraises for Walk MS and Bike MS, working with her employer to leverage donations. Through the VAP (Volunteerism Always Pays) program, Sally donates her time to the Society and Sam’s Club makes a donation – up to $500 each year!
“I have great support from my children, family and some close friends in the area who are living with MS, as well as many of my clients at Sam’s,” says Sally. “There isn’t anything we can’t do. We have to try it first. And if we can’t do it, there is always someone who’s willing.”
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, Sally, chapter programs and services, fundraising events, sponsorship/underwriting chapter activities, or to donate, email stories@MSpacific.org, visit www.MSpacific.org or call 1-800-486-6762.