WALLINGFORD, Conn. – In a solo effort to spread awareness and raise funds for multiple sclerosis, this fall one Wallingford man is taking his journey out to sea.
“I’ll be setting out from Rocky Neck State Park to kayak 20 miles across Long Island Sound to Orient Point, Long Island,” shared Andrew Pires, age 27. “The journey will be long and difficult, but when put into perspective, I only have to endure for one day. Millions of people struggle with the effects of MS for years with no end in sight.”
Two of those people affected by multiple sclerosis are very near to Pires – his mother, Carol Ann was diagnosed in 2006, and his Uncle Tommy was diagnosed in 1966.
“I was diagnosed the year Andrew graduated from high school,” remembered Carol Ann. “It started with a bout of optic neuritis. Ironically, I had just seen my eye doctor and nothing had been wrong. When I went back, he immediately suspected MS and advised me to schedule an MRI.”
Fortunately, Carol Ann began a course with a disease-modifying therapy and has not experienced any new lesions.
“I really take care of myself and try to stay active,” she continued. “But, I do rest when I need it. It’s important to listen when your body tells you it’s tired. I respect my MS, but I refuse to let it rule the way I live.”
In contrast to her brother, Carol Ann shared that she felt fortunate to have been diagnosed at a time when there are so many treatment options and MS specialists around to ensure that those living with MS find a way to live their best life.
“I unfortunately never got to meet my uncle because he lost his battle in 1984, four years before I was born,” said Pires. “But, my mother believes that her fight will never end – she’s a true fighter.”
Pires has supported his mother’s ongoing battle by participating in many National MS Society-run events, including Walk MS, Muck Fest MS, Run MS. But, for his most recent challenge, Pires did all the organizing himself.
“After injuring my shoulder and undergoing multiple surgeries to fix it properly, my physical therapist recommended kayaking as a new hobby,” he shared. “That was a few years ago, and now I find myself out on the water three or four times a week when my work and study schedules allow for it.”
Recently, Pires, an Audit Associate at Whittlesey & Hadley, P.C. in Hartford, decided to pair his passion for paddling with his drive to help support his mother’s ongoing battle with MS and set up a D.I.Y. fundraising page through the Connecticut Chapter’s website.
“I was due for another fundraiser,” he said. “I participated in a half-marathon in 2008 to raise additional funds, but if I go too long without doing something to support the fight against MS, I get this feeling of helplessness. I’m the type of guy who will take on anything with the mindset of getting it done, but there is nothing I can do to help my mother rid her body of MS. Raising money is what I can do to contribute to her fight and the fight of everyone else living with MS.”
Pires has set a fundraising goal of $5,000, and is reaching out to his group of supportive friends, family and coworkers to sponsor his 20-mile trip. But, Pires admits, money won’t do the hard work for him- he has to earn it.
“My mother and I share a common belief that a person can accomplish anything when they possess a determined mind, however, I felt completely helpless when she was diagnosed,” said Pires. “I raise funds because I cannot stand by and do nothing to help.”
Pires’s journey is an example of Do It Yourself (D.I.Y.) fundraising. The National MS Society encourages individuals to use their talents and interests to raise funds. With endless possibilities, anyone can find a way to get involved in the fight against MS.
“Every dollar counts in our mission to create a world free of MS,” said Community Outreach Coordinator and Manager of D.I.Y. events Kate Moore of the Connecticut Chapter. “Just by hosting an event or party, $215,000 has been raised through D.I.Y. fundraising in 2015. And there’s no right or wrong way to do it.”
Funds raised through D.I.Y. events such as this ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and provide for the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to Connecticut residents affected by MS.
Examples of past D.I.Y. fundraisers include, but are not limited to: shopping vendor events, beer tastings, pig roasts, golf tournaments, sporting tournaments, scavenger hunts, comedy nights, rose sales, concerts, motorcycle rides, poker tournaments, car shows, art shows, chili cook-offs, pub crawls and more.
“I’m proud to say that my mother has the resiliency to take on MS,” said Pires. “And I am hopeful that my personal efforts can help her beat it.”
For more information on organizing your own D.I.Y. event, contact Kate Moore at 860.913.2550 or visit nationalMSsociety.org/DIY. To make a donation and support Pire’s journey, visit: http://tinyurl.com/DeterminedMind.