Joyce Nelson Embraces a New Challenge
Society's CEO Joins Challenge Walk Events Nationwide
In more than 25 years of service to the MS community, Joyce Nelson has never shied away from a challenge. Now she and her husband John Hansell have set themselves a new one: completing as many Challenge Walk events as possible in 2009. Follow Joyce on her blog >
Challenge Walk is a series of intensive, 30- to 50-mile walk events that raise funds and awareness for MS research, programs and services. Joyce, who became the Society's President and CEO in 2005, decided to join the Challenge Walk circuit in a big way this summer and fall after hearing the mother-daughter music team of Jeannie and Melody Felton sing their moving composition "Million Miles" at the 2008 National Conference in Chicago.
"Together we'll take on this fight, and if I could, then I would walk a million miles for you," they sang. The lyrics were inspired by a Challenge Walk participant they encountered at the Cape Cod, Mass., event, where Melody walked and Jeannie volunteered.
The song reminded Joyce of the energy and camaraderie she enjoyed the last time she participated in Challenge Walk. "It’s been four years since my last multi-day walk, and I realized how much I miss those long conversations with people who live with MS every day," Joyce said.
"It may not be a million miles, but we plan to walk in as many as possible this year," Joyce said. Some Challenge Walk events occur on the same weekend, so Joyce and John will attend as many as possible.
"I'd love to get to know other participants and learn how they think the National MS Society can respond better to the challenges of living with MS," she said.
Will you accept the challenge too? Choose from 10 exciting Challenge Walk destinations!