The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Northwest Chapter proudly introduces our participation in the glassybaby goodwill collection.
10% from the sale of each fortitude will be donated to
the Greater Northwest Chapter, to support those
living with multiple sclerosis to live healthier, more independent lives.
Go to the glassybaby online shop
A word from glassybaby
Glassybaby is proud to partner with the National MS Society because the cause is near and dear to our hearts. We were first introduced to the good work of the Greater Northwest Chapter by Marie, our Marketing Director and Piper’s Peddlers bike team member, whose sister-in-law is living with MS. As more of our friends and relatives were affected by multiple sclerosis, we came to realize the importance of making this partnership a reality. Glassybaby has designated “fortitude” as our goodwill color for MS, with 10% of sales donated to support those living with multiple sclerosis to live healthier, more independent lives. The color name was chosen by glassybaby founder Lee Rhodes, in honor of those who understand what it takes to live with MS.
A glassybaby is an artfully crafted votive, vessel or vase, made by hand in our Seattle studios by glass artisans. Whether lit with a candle or by the sun, these simple, colorful vessels radiate hope, peace, and beauty to those who give and receive them. The company began when Lee, a three-time cancer survivor, found great healing from the light of a candle-lit glassybaby, and she started spreading that light by making and giving them to others. To honor those who have walked her same path, Lee established the glassybaby goodwill program, which is the company’s foundation and has brought light and hope to thousands of people who are facing their own battles. Today, glassybaby has donated more than half a million dollars to charities that are dedicated to health, healing, and quality of life.
Words of fortitude from our Chapter community
When I learned that the glassybaby candle would be called fortitude, I went to the dictionary to look up the true definition of the word. I found that, “Fortitude is the strength of mind that enables one to confront adversity, pain and uncertainty with courage.” For me, this is what living with MS is all about. Uncertainty is just about the only certainty when it comes to this disease and though hiding in bed would be easier, I choose volunteer work and creating a team for Walk MS as a way to feel empowered in the face of MS.
- Cara Chamberlin, diagnosed in 2008
April 29, 2004 my life changed forever.
I had a flare and never returned to my career in the field of mental health. My fortitude was the force I use to survive the symptoms of vertigo, decreased vision, balance issues, sleep deprivation, and a psychotic break.
After being hospitalized, I started my quest why I was ill. My fortitude gave me strength to see doctors that did not know the answers. I suspected MS. I needed someone to tell me. April 1, 2008 I heard the words “You have MS” I cried. I had succeeded in finding the truth. My fortitude had brought me through to the end.
- Marcia E. Landon, diagnosed 2008
To have the new glassybaby color be named "fortitude" in honor of multiple sclerosis is very meaningful!
My sister, Diane, and her husband, Mike, embody the true meaning of fortitude. They have navigated through this journey of having primary progressive MS with the utmost strength and dignity. Although Diane's disease has grossly intruded into her physical mobility as well as her vision, she and Mike have endured this adversity with a level of indescribable courage.
- Kathy Fishman