Cary Resident Leads Fundraising and Speaks to Community Organizations
Diagnosed four years ago, Miller sought out the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Eastern NC Chapter where she learned about the Triangle Walk MS. She’s been a team captain at the event ever since. Last year, without the resources or network of corporate teams, Miller led a team of forty-two people in an RBC Center orbit worth five-thousand dollars, which was their goal for that year. Miller aims to raise seven-thousand dollars at this year’s walk.
An Early Call Inspires Action
Miller is no stranger to neurological disease. “My mother had ALS which is closely related to MS,” she says. “In those days not very much was known about neurological disease,” she explains.
Seeing a need amongst the general public and motivated by the diagnosis of her mother, Miller began to educate herself and others. It would not be the last time she would recognize opportunity in hardship. “When I was first diagnosed I had difficulty being open about my disease,” she admits. “But I found that my willingness to be open really got my friends and family more involved.”
This involvement is a growing trend. “I’m really excited to see growing numbers of people participating in the walk who don’t have MS,” she says. Miller has also stretched her own involvement beyond participation in a single event.
Trish of all Trades
Last year Miller organized a yard sale prior to the walk to raise more money. Anyone interested in simultaneously getting rid of excess belongings and bettering the lives of those with MS could contribute to the yard sale. She’s doing it again this year. Miller is also a part of the Speaker’s Bureau and recently presented to a local Kiwanis Club. The Speaker's Bureau visits community organizations in an effort to increase awareness about MS. It is a great way for volunteers to get involved with MS advocacy. When asked what her favorite part was about being involved in a variety of activities, Miller said it was the relationships and memories she made.
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