Jill Sand
Walk MS: St. Could Ambassador, diagnosed in 2003
What do you remember from the day you were diagnosed?
I was scared. I had my daughter in September 2002, and shortly after I started to experience tingling and numbness from my chest down. I didn’t know much about the disease so I was pretty freaked out not only because I had MS but because I didn’t know what was going to happen next.
Why did you decided to participate in Walk MS: St. Cloud?
My mom and I went for the first time in 2003. I wanted to check it out and see if this was something I wanted to be a part of. The following year we decided to form a team, Sandstorm, and have gone every year since.
What do you enjoy most about the St. Cloud walk?
The energy is exciting and the atmosphere is positive. Everyone has been affected by MS differently and it’s very cool that we all come together for the same purpose — to raise money for a cure.
What is one thing you wish people could understand about MS?
I would like people who are diagnosed to know it's not the end of the world. I know it's scary to hear you have MS, however there are treatments that can help you to live a normal life. Do some research, find a doctor you feel comfortable with and try to stay positive — it's going to be O.K.!