Erica Parker: The day a MS fighter was born
June 1st 2009. D-Day. The day a MS fighter was born. After numerous testing, doctor appointments, and a long list of symptoms I finally had the answer I had been searching for. I felt as many people do when hearing those words. I was mad, happy, sad, and everywhere in between all those emotions.
After letting this sink in, with the help of family and friends I decided I would not be a victim of MS, but a fighter. I knew I wanted to set a good example for my children. At the time of my diagnosis they were age 12, two and a half, and 10 months.
While doing research about the disease I came across the National MS Society website and found my local chapter. While going through the site I found there was a walk planned for that spring. Being that is was not that far from where I lived I signed myself up. Little did I know how much Walk MS would help me.
I found it empowering to meet others who had MS. People were there supporting not only their friend or family member with MS, but every single person diagnosed with MS. Last year my children and nephew walked the entire walk with no complaining. It means so much to me for them to understand my disease. At the walk you encounter people with canes, crutches, and wheelchairs. Do my kids see them as different? No. They see them as a person. This has helped them learn about having compassion for people.
The 2013 Walk MS will be my 4th year participating. I volunteer for other MS events, but the walk is my favorite. This is a day that I get to share with my family, friends, and my MS family. It is a day that rain or shine, hot or cold- we all come together. Together we put one foot in front of the other and walk to show MS that we are not afraid and we are determined to find a cure.