Volunteer Stories
The Mid America Chapter is fortunate to have many volunteers who are dedicated to furthering the mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. We could not accomplish all we do without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers.
See what some of our amazing volunteers have said about their service below. We hope that by reading their story, you will be inspired to Join the Movement!
If you would like to submit your story, please click here:
Don Garrett, Springfield, MO
I have been involved with the MS Society for over 10 years. I have been a captain for a walk team for 10 years, helped with Bike for several years, attended legislative day many times, helped with the holiday dinner and Traveling Turkey program. I have been on the Ozarks Advisory Board for the past three years. My wife had an initial diagnosis of MS and then cancer. I have friends with MS. I have been impressed by the hope that people with MS have. So, I share that hope, that soon we will find the "deal" (cure). Being a part of the National MS Society has become part of who I am and I am a better person for being a part of it.
Stacy Boring, Wichita, KS
I began volunteering for the MS Society after having two heart attacks and almost losing my life at the age of 29. I thought that giving back would be a great way for me to spend some of my free time. I was given a second chance, why not do good with it! I choose the MS Society because of the values they stand for and because I know that they use all resources for the cause and not personal gain.
Michelle Dorland, Springfield, MO
My husband and I got involved because of friends riding in Bike MS. We are SAG drivers. We got to know lots of riders and staff. We had several riders and staff just fall in love with us and we did them as well. We will always be a part of Bike MS as long as they let us.
Pamela Alquest, Wichita, KS
The Costuming Group I am with started participating three years ago with Walk MS. We are a group of Star Wars costumers and we love to attend charity events to help raise awareness for all kinds of charities. The adults and children love us and we are happy to do everything we can. We are planning this year to be a part of the 25th anniversary of the Autumn Trails Classic Bike MS event here in Kansas. We are so looking forward to running one of the rest/sag stops and being there for everyone and to have fun with the wonderful cause.
Alice Greenfield, Springfield, MO
When I was in nursing school, I had a classmate whom I learned had MS when the stressors of school became so great she became too ill to continue. After graduation, I became a hospice nurse and had the privilege of caring for several MS patients. Sharing their last stages of this disease touched my heart deeply. I then learned my former schoolmate died from her disease. I started biking and heard about Bike MS. I decided to ride in it and loved the event so much, the next year I became a volunteer. I ride for the friends and victims of this disease.
Tom Nutt, Joplin, MO
Our time on this earth is a gift from God that passes all too quickly. What we choose to do with this time is what makes each of us who we are. I have had several friends and a dear cousin who have passed from this earth due to complications from MS. Most of us who live in this great nation have been blessed with riches in this life, but may feel like we don't have much to give. I am no exception, I always felt like I would like to be able to contribute more to help in the fight against MS but little extra to give. What I can do is give a few hours of my time which happens to be the most valuable commodity that any of us have. Just ask someone who has MS and you will see just how much time is worth. If all of us can give a few hours to help in this cause, we may make it possible for someone we love to live a few hours longer. How can we not help? I have been so blessed by the few hours I have spent serving others who have MS. Multiply your blessings and theirs by giving of yourself. If you can donate financially please do so, if you can give of your time please do. You will never be sorry! Thanks for letting me help.
John Holder, Springfield, MO
Before moving to Springfield, I had been involved in a local community event. After moving to Springfield, I wanted to "give back" some. My wife had ridden the MS 150 a couple of years before we were married and suggested that we might volunteer. Well, that was 12 years ago and we have not missed a ride or a walk in our area as volunteers. One of the best things my wife and I get to do is to play Santa and Mrs. Claus each year for the Holiday party for people with MS. Talk about getting your "warm fuzzies." We look forward to many more years involvement with the Society.
Dave Nelson, Billings, MO
I rode in the MS bike ride a few years ago and had a wonderful time and the volunteers were great and I wanted to be part of that group.
LaShonda Garnes, Wichita, KS
MS has affected my life since 2003 when I was initially diagnosed. I have been living a healthy life since my diagnosis and original symptoms of loss of vision and an inability to walk. As God blessed me to regain those abilities I have continued to live with MS without have any exacerbations since 2003. I have been involved with the MS Society by volunteering at Walk MS and raising funds to support the cause. It is a great experience and I have enjoyed seeing that people can live a full life with MS and those that have limitations are still happy. When I did my first Walk MS with my family, I realized there was more that I could do so I decide to volunteer with Bike MS so that I can continue to be a part of the solution.
Don Birt, Bolivar, MO
I started volunteering as a favor to a longtime friend whom has MS that had been motorcycle escorting the local bike event, after some grumping and growling I decided why not. Seven years later I find myself not only being the leader of the motorcycles and on the Bike MS Planning Committee, having fun and to uncountable number of smiles and thank you's but looking forward to the next year of being a part of making a difference that affects so many!
Kathy Grover, Springfield, MO
The daughter-in-law of a co-worker has MS. She invited me to help with Bike MS a few years ago. This co-worker volunteers for an event to raise funds for a charity that benefits an organization that helped my granddaughter, son and daughter-in-law when my granddaughter was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Both the MS Society and the other organization are worthy of our time and effort to raise funds to further the research to treat and hopefully eliminate MS and cancer.
Buck Van Hooser, Springfield, MO
I got involved after buying an old mountain bike and, saw the TV spot for Bike MS. I said to my wife, "Let's do it". She responded, "Sure"! Gulp! I was committed. I rode 3,000 miles training for that ride. It was brutal, but then I experienced the people that have MS. They were so appreciative. They were on the sides of the road, cheering us on, telling us thank you, etc. They came by our table to thank us, with tears in their eyes. So very moving. I was hooked and, have been for 14 years. Anytime I feel sorry for myself, I remember what they endure. That makes it easier to push myself through to success and, stay involved as a volunteer. They are amazing people. How could I not love them and, want to help? I get so much back in return, with more than is space to write here.
Joe Johnson, Springfield, MO
I started bicycling in 1991 with a goal to ride and complete Bike MS. I did accomplish the event and it was such a satisfying accomplishment that I chose to become more involved with the event to the extent that I served on the local MS Advisory Board for five years. Twenty years later I am still riding and volunteering for the event with occasionally helping with Walk MS. The past three years, my wife has joined in riding the event as we ride our tandem in honor of a couple of our friends and a co-worker.
Sue George, Springfield, MO
I became involved with the MS Society when I was diagnosed in 1998. My first volunteer activity was at the first rest stop of Bike MS. When I saw the spokes of the tires coming around the corner with the sun coming up it brought tears to my eyes. That all of these people would do this for people like me was overwhelming. I started riding my bike and continued to volunteer and never looked back!
Jerry Davis, Republic, MO
After my wife was told she had MS, our life was changed. She has a difficult time walking, something we enjoyed doing. She has difficulty feeling things in her right hand at times, causing her to drop things, making her very upset. We cannot do all the things we use to do, but have made the sacrifices as needed. My wife, kids and I work at the walks and bike rides. She does what she can and we do the rest. Since we have started I have learned so much more about MS and feel like I am doing something to help. My getting started was by overhearing a conversation. A lady was speaking to someone else. When she finished I asked her some questions and within several minutes, I was volunteering to help. I enjoy helping and look forward to a very long relationship with the MS Society.
Jennifer San Paolo, Springfield, MO
I have had MS for 17 years now and I have experienced almost every symptom commonly mentioned when describing it. I got involved with the Society before I was diagnosed through the MS Read-a-Thon when I was young, and since diagnosis I have enjoyed sharing my story with others and meeting others who have had similar experiences. I enjoy fund-raising through the Walk and supporting the Society in any way I can as they have supported me through the use of the medical equipment loan closet and information booklets.
Kim Callahan, Springfield, MO
A friend was diagnosed with MS in 2008. We volunteered at a Bike MS rest stop later that year and I have been volunteering at Bike MS and Walk MS ever since. During that time, I've learned of friends who know others with MS and in two instances provide some resources to newly diagnosed individuals. I've also been pleasantly surprised to find coworkers and other friends already involved in volunteering for the MS Society. Volunteering is not just personally rewarding, but this is a fun group of people to be around! You don't have to make a large time commitment in order to make a difference.
