Emily Crowe of Sheridan, OR is a senior at Perrydale High School.

“In my family’s experience, even though we have at times had many difficulties, the disease has also given us may “gifts.” It taught me adaptability, perseverance, and a deeper appreciation for what I have. I would never wish something like MS to affect anyone, but I believe that it can give a person a opportunity to grow and be blessed.”

Lillian Hart of Portland, OR and a senior from Grant High School.

"When MS came out of nowhere, it disrupted the plan my family and I had been living by. Now, things had to change and I didn’t like the unexpected turn for the worse one bit. On the other hand, it showed me this interest I’ve always had in organization and planning.”

Cassidy McCartney of Milwaukie, OR and a senior from Rex Putnam High School. 

“MS used to be something that I didn’t want to think or talk about. Now it is just a part of my daily life. In the last two years, I have had some of the best times and some of the worse times in my life. My mom’s disease has helped me realize that I have to live my life by the motto, “Let it be.”

 Maria Ramirez of Beaverton, OR and a senior from Valley Catholic High School.

“From a remarkable woman with MS I learned that MS is not by any means a reason to stop living; on the contrary, for me it served as fuel to be better.”

Claire Ross of Vancouver, WA and a senior from Columbia River High School. 

“I was asking my mother how I was going to pay for college, she started tearing up because of the constant flow of money toward medical expenses that had accumulated over her lifetime has prevented the possibility for my parents to cover tuition. I would have to do it myself. Multiple Sclerosis hasn’t defeated my family yet. I’ll have to keep strong, for myself and my mom, so we can get where we need to be. Anything is possible if you just keep moving forward. 

Nicholas Seymour of Beaverton, OR and a senior from the School of Science & Technology."

“Life is a funny thing, changing in the blink of an eye and ruining everything you had planned. It beats you and hurts you, it raises you on a pedestal and treats you like a prize, anything can happen and more. Yet, somehow, through all the trials and tribulations, you can still end up alright.”

Yaritza Torres of Salem, OR and a senior of North Salem High School

“I watch my mother each day as she puts a smile on her face as if nothing is wrong and she continues working for her family. She is my inspiration. When I walk across the stage to receive my [high school] degree, I hope to be able to look out into the crowd and see my mother with tears in her eyes, not from pain, but of happiness.”