MS Moments of Impact

MS MOMENTS: OUR MOMENTS OF IMPACT
MS Moments, a non-profit organization, provides life-changing grants to individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis, helping them access essential services like wellness programs and support gatherings. From funding health club memberships to covering therapy costs, read more about how MS Moments directly impacts those with MS to improve their well-being and quality of life.

KATIE BLAHA | MS MOMENTS GRANT RECIPIENT
My journey with MS began at 17 when I was diagnosed in 2005. With the unwavering support of my parents and three siblings, I navigated the diagnosis process. Upon moving to Des Moines, I found a wonderful neurologist who understood my life goals and supported me with the right MS care as my disease progressed. Since my diagnosis, I have met my husband, my ultimate supporter, and together we have two beautiful daughters. My MS journey has had its ups and downs, with flare-ups and a few relapses, but with the support of my village, I am here and stronger than ever.

I started attending MS Moments events in 2018 and discovered a community I didn’t know existed. In 2020, after my first daughter was born, I experienced a relapse and was reluctant to admit I needed help. Fortunately, the relationships I had built with MS Moments members provided me with emotional support and access to services offered to grant holders. Their support helped me recover faster and continued as I managed parenting young children while dealing with a disease that demands great self-care. Knowing I had people to turn to for conversation or resources made everything feel more manageable.

In 2024, I was in regular pain and feeling very down. MS Moments connected me with a great massage therapist who helped alleviate both the physical pain and the emotional strain that comes with it. This service was something I knew would help me but wasn’t a priority in our personal budget over my child’s sports fees or new shoes. Being able to receive this support while maintaining my family’s needs was a game changer.
For many MSers, financial choices are challenging due to the high costs associated with MS. Organizations like MS Moments relieve some of that pressure by offering support services that improve our lives but might not always be prioritized in our personal budgets. Additionally, the community support built through MS Moments is invaluable. Knowing there are others who truly understand changes your perspective on everything that impacts us.

My hope for the future is that our community continues to grow. By spreading awareness and educating those without MS about its impact on us and our families, we can make our lives easier. I want to see the community expand, providing more resources and individuals who understand our experiences. Access to services not covered by traditional means gives us the opportunity to feel better longer.

MEGAN VANGUNDY | MS MOMENTS GRANT RECIPIENT
MS joined the party of my life in my late 30s. One normal spring morning, I woke up feeling like I was on the Silly Silo. The room was spinning, there were two of everything, and everyone’s voice sounded like a metallic robot. My entire left side was asleep with pins and needles, as if I had received too much lidocaine at the dentist. I checked in with my body—no pain, normal heartbeat, good color, and I could talk. What was happening to me?

My MS journey began with fear. As I learned more about the disease and realized my body had attacked itself, leaving me with “black holes,” that fear turned to grief. I grieved the loss of my perceived good health, my career and passion, independent movement, my education and training, and my quality of life. Things kept falling into that black hole. For example, I couldn’t remember the word for that thing you eat with—not a fork, not a knife, but the other round thing. A spoon! I could no longer find the words in my brain when I needed them.

This is when MS Moments entered my journey. I started attending informational meetings and free dinners, learning more about my disease, seeing others living with it, and hearing their stories. I discovered the treatment options available and learned that MS Moments offered benefits to families living with MS in Iowa. I attended Friday MS yoga sessions and applied for and received benefits to attend yoga sessions closer to home.

Yoga slows down the Silly Silo—it never really stops completely—but it taught me adaptive movements to decrease the dizzy moments. My balance has significantly improved, giving me confidence. I’ve also made new friendships and found a supportive community. This year, I wanted to give back and joined the Orange Ball planning committee. I worried I wouldn’t have anything to offer—if I couldn’t remember the word “spoon,” how could I help plan a gala? But this organization has embraced me where I am and given me back some confidence.

My future is full of hope. I’ve been inspired to help others on their journey and am so thankful for all the support we are receiving tonight from the community!

MICHELLE RICHARDSON | MS MOMENTS GRANT RECIPIENT
In 2009, I began experiencing weakness, fatigue, muscle spasms, and cognitive issues. My family doctor referred me to Dr. Bruce Hughes, a neurologist specializing in MS. After undergoing a brain MRI, a cervical spine MRI, and a spinal tap, I was diagnosed with MS in February 2010. I had lesions in my brain and spine, as well as oligoclonal bands and elevated cerebrospinal protein levels in my spinal fluid. Finally, I had an answer for the symptoms that had been overwhelming me for months.

Shortly after my diagnosis, MS Moments approached me at an MS education seminar and shared how they could support me on my journey. Besides providing emotional support, MS Moments also paid for a family membership to MercyOne Health and Fitness Center. This allowed me to take swimming classes to build my strength and attend open swim sessions for additional exercise.

My husband and I also met with a health coach who created personalized exercise programs for us. We spent many hours walking on the track, which greatly benefited my strength and endurance. For the past few years, I have taken yoga classes every Friday, funded by MS Moments. These classes have significantly improved my mood, mobility, muscle strength, and helped manage pain, fatigue, and depression. I have also learned mindfulness and relaxation techniques.

Additionally, MS Moments has provided two sessions per month of craniosacral massage therapy. This gentle, hands-on technique has helped release tension around my body’s connective tissue and decreased my leg, neck, and back pain.

MS Moments also sponsors educational events, offering dinner and programs with excellent speakers on topics such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, alternative medicine, nutrition and diet, exercise, and healthy living. These events have been invaluable for those of us living with MS.

MS Moments has been there for me since the beginning of my MS journey, helping me meet and overcome the challenges of MS. They have made my journey bearable and have been a lifesaver for me and my family. I look forward to all the ways MS Moments will continue to support me as I navigate my MS journey.

Thank you, MS Moments! 🧡💙

MATT DOWIE | MS MOMENTS GRANT RECIPIENT
I was officially diagnosed with MS just as I was turning 26. Being incredibly active at the time allowed me to notice when my body wasn’t functioning as it should. It all started with gait issues while running, then transitioned to vision problems while playing soccer. It culminated in an MS diagnosis after being told a year prior that my brain MRI was clean and I didn’t have MS. It took a few years to fully adjust to my new norm and get into a mental and physical place where I could really attack MS. Once there, I was blessed to have very little long-term damage from my previous relapses. My body has responded well to treatment, and I have a family and support system that keeps me accountable with exercise and staying healthy. Thanks to early diagnosis, great treatment options, and regular exercise, including a gym membership from MS Moments for several years, I am able to live my life with little interference from MS.

When I was first diagnosed, two of the biggest effects MS had on me were my balance and coordination. As someone who played sports all my life, I suddenly found myself unable to do what I used to. Researching MS and ways to combat it, I learned how important exercise was in fending off relapses. I wanted to do something that pushed my body in new ways. Shortly after my diagnosis, I connected with MS Moments and discovered they provided grants for gym memberships. I quickly signed up at a CrossFit gym. CrossFit was instrumental in helping me regain the balance and coordination I had lost, as well as building strength and overall better health.

A gym membership was the main service I received from MS Moments. Joining a CrossFit gym shortly after my diagnosis in 2018 played a significant role in regaining my balance and coordination through the workouts.

MS impacts the mental and physical health of everyone in unique ways. Some people may need more support from a mental standpoint, while others may need help from a physical standpoint. Your support of MS Moments allows them to provide services that meet the unique needs of people in Iowa living with MS. Your support can greatly improve the overall health of those living with MS.

My hope for the future is that as my kids get older, my ability to interact with them and support them in all their activities and interests isn’t notably impacted by MS. Having a great support system and community helps me stay positive and continue to attack MS. It goes a long way in helping me achieve my hope for the future!

JAMAICA MCNEELEY | MS MOMENTS GRANT RECIPIENT
I was diagnosed with MS in December 2014. I remember going through so many emotions in a short amount of time. MS Moments reached out to me as soon as I made it Facebook official. They told me about their organization, and my wife and I jumped at the opportunity to connect with people who were going through what we were. We found so much more than peers with common symptoms; we found a community of helpers and supporters. The most amazing part of this organization is the number of selfless people we have met.

MS Moments has affected my life in many ways. The sense of community is amazing. The amount of information presented, whether it is about breakthroughs in research, helpful tips for managing flare-ups, or finding the right medication, is incredibly helpful, especially at the beginning when you don’t know which part of your body is going to betray you next. Every event we have attended has been a wonderful time. Even if I’m not feeling well and can barely move, it is easy to find something to laugh about. And if we choose, there is almost always an opportunity to have a few drinks.

My wife and I have had gym memberships covered by MS Moments. However, we really enjoy going outside to exercise, so we switched to therapeutic massages. This gift has been absolutely amazing for us. My muscles are sore more often than not, so I appreciate this monthly appointment so much.

None of this would be possible without the continued support from all those who donate time, money, or expertise to this beautiful foundation. My family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts.

My hopes for the future living with this disease are that a cure is found. Until that happens, I hope to stay active and keep showing up to say thank you to everyone who steps up when I have a moment or two that I need help. I hope MS Moments can continue to support families that need it.

Having MS sucks, sometimes more than others, and definitely differently for everyone, but MS Moments' support has helped make it suck less.

BOBBI GILBERT | MS MOMENTS GRANT RECIPIENT
Fourteen years ago, my life changed forever with an MS diagnosis. But nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming joy and exhaustion that came with welcoming one-and-a-half-year-old twin boys into my world.

As I navigated the challenges of motherhood with MS, there were days when the pain, fatigue, and uncertainty felt like too much to bear. Days when I pleaded for relief, for answers, for a glimmer of hope.

And then I found MS Moments.

This incredible organization not only offered me a free gym membership but also a sense of community, connection, and understanding. The massage therapy sessions were a lifeline, providing physical relief and emotional comfort.
But it's the friendships, the laughter, and the tears shared with fellow MS warriors that have left an indelible mark on my heart. We didn't choose MS, but it has given us a gift—a tribe of resilient, courageous, and compassionate individuals who uplift and inspire each other every day.

MS Moments has been a beacon of hope in my journey, reminding me that I am not alone, that my story matters, and that there is beauty in the brokenness.

If you're living with MS, I urge you to reach out to MS Moments. Let them wrap you in their love, support, and understanding. You are part of a community that sees you, hears you, and cheers you on, no matter what.

LORI HENDRICKS | MS MOMENTS SUPPORTER & VOLUNTEER
In 2010, following my Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, I felt isolated and longed to connect with others facing similar challenges. I was fortunate to be introduced to MS Moments, a remarkable organization that has profoundly impacted my life and the lives of my family.

Through MS Moments, we found a community that understands our struggles and celebrates our victories. We've participated in walks, bag tournaments, chili cook-offs, and educational talks, all while raising funds to support families affected by MS. These events have not only been enjoyable but have also provided us with a sense of belonging and hope.

The connections we've made through MS Moments have been invaluable. We've met incredible people who inspire us with their resilience and kindness. The support and camaraderie we've experienced have made the journey with MS more bearable and less lonely.

MS Moments truly offers something for every family impacted by this condition. It has given us a lifeline, a sense of purpose, and a community that lifts us up when we need it most. I am forever grateful for the love and support we've received from this amazing organization.

DARREN ABENS | MS MOMENTS GRANT RECIPIENT
In 2013, at the age of 43, I had a seizure out of nowhere. With no family history of such issues, my wife and I were in disbelief when, after months of testing, I was diagnosed with MS. I was in good health and had no symptoms, so I spent the next several years in denial, convinced the doctors had made a mistake. It wasn't until five years later, when I experienced my first and only relapse, that reality set in. It took me a year and a half to get back to as close to my previous physical state as possible.

During this challenging time, my wife and I were introduced to MS Moments. The MS Moments family made a huge and positive impact on us. The people at MS Moments were in similar situations and faced the same issues we were dealing with. The programs that helped us the most were the monthly educational seminars. The information shared was vital in my recovery, and the support for my family was invaluable.

I hope that MS Moments and everyone involved continue their mission of helping families cope until we find a cure. We love you all and thank you! There is so much more I could say about you and MS Moments. Maybe someday I will be able to fully express how much your organization has truly helped me and my family.

Thank you, MS Moments! ❤️

REBECCA MOREDOCK | MS MOMENTS GRANT RECIPIENT
I’ve had MS for 24 years, facing pain and setbacks along the way. I’ve been in a wheelchair, used a walker, lost work, and dealt with daily nerve pain. My husband, children, brother, and sister have been my rock, helping me with daily tasks and keeping my spirits up. The uncertainty of MS is the hardest part—never knowing if tomorrow I’ll wake up unable to see, feel my legs, or get out of bed.
Being part of MS Moments for years has been a blessing. They provided me with massage therapy and a gym membership for my family. Exercising in the pool has been a game changer, reducing my pain during physical therapy and helping me build friendships that support my mental well-being.

I’ve also had the joy of volunteering at MS Moments events, preparing chili, doing face painting, and so much more. These experiences have allowed me to give back to the community that has given me so much.

I am deeply grateful for the support MS Moments has given me, both physically and mentally. I hope to try acupuncture treatments in the future to help with my pain. My family and I are thankful for everyone’s generosity and love.

My hope for the future is that more people will understand and support those living with MS and disabilities. MS is an invisible and expensive disease, but organizations like MS Moments provide much-needed relief. Thank you for making a difference in our lives.

SHERRIE WINN | MS MOMENTS GRANT RECIPIENT
At the age of 68, I woke one morning with trembling in my arm. A day and a half later, I found myself flat on my back in the hospital with an uncontrollable arm and paralysis on the right side of my body. The doctors administered anti-spasm drugs, which calmed my arm, but the paralysis remained. They suspected that my walking difficulties over the past few years were early signs of MS, though I had been unaware. My children were told that, given my age, recovery from the paralysis was uncertain. However, with the help of great doctors and rehabilitation at Methodist, I was able to leave the hospital with a walker and braces on both legs. The first year was tough, but with the support of my doctors and medication, I improved each day.

Finding a doctor specializing in MS wasn't easy. Fortunately, my daughter-in-law, who provides massage therapy for MS Moments, introduced me to this wonderful organization. Through MS Moments, I met the incredible Karrie Anderson, who helped me get an appointment with Dr. Hughes and connected me with the MS Moments network.

I have been the recipient of various MS Moments grants, including massage therapy, acupuncture, a gym membership, and recently, house cleaning services. Each service has been invaluable at different stages of my journey. Massage therapy helped with muscle pain and walking difficulties, acupuncture alleviated pain, the gym membership kept me active, and housekeeping assistance has been a tremendous help as it tends to wear me out.
The informational meetings organized by MS Moments have been incredibly beneficial, keeping us informed about new medications, infusions, and anything else that could help us. I truly don't know what I would have done without all this support.

I pray that people will continue to donate to MS Moments, as it means more individuals can receive the benefits that make life a little easier for those suffering from MS.

MARY PAT CROWLEY | MS MOMENTS GRANT RECIPIENT
My family's journey with MS has profoundly affected my relationship with my husband, who has willingly and unselfishly provided daily support. He helps with household chores when I’m too tired to start or complete them—such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry. His patience and acceptance of my limitations have been a blessing, strengthening our marriage.

MS Moments has helped me in many ways. I’ve grown more accepting and knowledgeable of my own limitations. I am more aware of how MS affects others and their caretakers, and I’m more open in sharing my own challenges and successes.

I participated in the gym membership program, and I appreciate that my husband was given a membership as well. We encouraged each other to stay physically active and motivated to keep going to the gym when our willpower was running low.

I also received monthly massages from Body Mechanix by Wendi. Wendi is not only a great massage therapist but also incredibly encouraging and upbeat. I always looked forward to my sessions with her.

Additionally, I’ve attended the informational dinners. The speakers have always been highly educational and motivating. Having dinner and conversing with others who have MS has been important to me, greatly reducing my insecurities and helping me learn how others cope.
To the supporters and donors of MS Moments, I want to say THANK YOU! I’m so grateful for your generosity. This program provides a strong, helpful network to so many in the MS community by offering encouragement and meeting mental, emotional, and physical needs.

My hope for the future is to keep staying positive and meeting this disease head-on. MS Moments gives me the inspiration and encouragement to do just that.

MICHELLE MULLINS | MS MOMENTS GRANT RECIPIENT
My MS journey began in 2017 while living in a small town in Nebraska. Shortly after, we relocated to Des Moines, where I am originally from, due to a job opportunity for my husband. When I first met Dr. Hughes, he recommended checking out MS Moments. After seeing the help and support they provide for MS patients, I knew it was a great organization. I was awarded the family gym membership grant, which greatly benefited both myself and my family. Consistent exercise and movement significantly helped with my MS symptoms, and having my children and husband join me was a godsend.

MS Moments has been a wonderful organization, offering various events throughout the year and providing opportunities to meet others who have MS. It has been incredibly supportive to connect with individuals who either have MS or have a family member with MS.

Being part of the MS Moments community has been a true blessing. It makes living with an unfortunate diagnosis much more manageable. ❤️

STEVE MCMULLEN | MS MOMENTS GRANT RECIPIENT
In 1990, after six months of doctors searching for the cause of my strange symptoms, I had my first MRI. This revealed MS-type scarring/plaques on my brain. My symptoms included loss of taste, reduced nerve sensation below my waist, and occasional dizziness. While walking, I would sometimes feel a cooling sensation in my left arm, signaling that I was about to lose control of my left leg. I would need to stop walking and lean against a wall until the sensation passed, which usually lasted 10-15 seconds. About two months after the MRI confirmed MS, many people at my church were praying for my family and me. One Sunday night during a worship service, I felt what I can only describe as a lightning bolt through my body, and all my symptoms disappeared.

After this healing, I was blessed with the opportunity to raise our three children. My two sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, and I was able to go on many adventures with my family. In 2006, my symptoms began to return, and I was referred to Dr. Hughes, who diagnosed me with MS. However, the episode I experienced in 1990 remained in remission. Jump to 2018, and my symptoms started to return again, making walking difficult. I joined MS Moments, and the board welcomed my wife (my support person) and me as grant recipients.

We began receiving monthly massages, and later, I switched to house cleaning services when they became available. Lisa and I attended the monthly educational dinners, where important topics were discussed. More importantly, we met new friends with MS. Every day I wake up, I thank God that I have MS because it gives me the opportunity to give God the glory. I can still walk, hug my wife, enjoy our grandchildren, and experience God's blessings, sharing those blessings with others.

Yes, I hate my disease, but I love the opportunities it provides to witness to others about what God has done for me and to know that I am right where He wants me.

SARAH HIEMER | MS MOMENTS GRANT RECIPIENT
My journey with MS began in 2011 at age 27. The diagnosis was overwhelming, but I chose not to let MS define me. Despite the challenges, I strive to live life to the fullest, facing each day with resilience and determination. Most importantly, I’ve assured myself that MS could never take away my spirit or zest for life.

In the years following my diagnosis, I became a mother to two beautiful children. Although motherhood brought its own challenges, it has also filled my heart with immense joy. I found ways to stay active with my kids—whether it was camping, biking, or simply playing together in the backyard. Despite MS, I make sure to be present and engaged in their lives.
I also completed my Nurse Practitioner degree, a feat that often felt impossible with the balance of family and health to manage. But I did it. That degree is more than just a piece of paper--it’s proof of my commitment to keep pushing, no matter what.

Staying physically active has been essential in managing my MS. I love weightlifting, biking, hiking, and camping. These activities help me stay strong both mentally and physically. Of course, there are days when MS makes it hard, and I’ve learned to listen to my body when it needs rest. But I always make an effort to keep moving.

One of the greatest blessings in my journey has been finding MS Moments and our beloved Karrie Anderson. Through MS Moments activities and events, I’ve built a community of people who truly understand what it’s like to live with MS. The connections I’ve made through MS Moments have been invaluable. It’s comforting to know that I’m not alone, and the support I’ve received from others has made all the difference in my ability to keep going.

I am also incredibly thankful for my “team,” especially the amazing professionals at Mercy Ruan Neurology, my family, and my husband, who have been by my side every step of the way. Their dedication and expertise have played an essential role in my journey. I am forever grateful for the continued love and encouragement I receive. The support of a knowledgeable and caring healthcare team has been pivotal in helping me manage my condition and stay proactive about my health.

It’s vital that we continue to invest in research and funding for the MS community to ensure that all individuals living with this disease have the opportunity to live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Advances in treatments, therapies, and understanding of MS are essential, and continued support for these efforts is key to making sure no one with MS is left behind.
Through all the challenges, MS has never defined who I am. It’s part of my story, but it’s not the whole story. My life is full of love, resilience, and a determination to keep moving forward. And with the support of my family, my healthcare team, and the amazing community at MS Moments, I know that strength, hope, and connection are always within reach.

MICHELLE WADDINGHAM | MS MOMENTS GRANT RECIPIENT
Just over two years ago, I heard the words, “You have MS.” Cue the tears, worries, and fears. It felt like every door and window in my life had slammed shut. What would this mean for my family, my marriage, my career? How would others perceive me? How would I make the most of the life I’ve been given?

After almost a year of pausing my professional corporate HR career to focus on my health and family, we worked closely with my amazingly talented medical team to find a new normal. Learning to give in to fatigue meant re-teaching myself a new pace of life. I became mindful of new routines, habits, and boundaries, all while inadvertently experiencing opportunities for new relationships.

My medical team connected me with Karrie Anderson and Erin Shearer, who were co-founder and board member of MS Moments at the time. Our connection was immediate and profound—it felt like a sisterhood. I had found my new people!

It was an absolute joy to help plan the first annual MS Moments gala last February. Our efforts to raise awareness and funds for the MS community moved me to new goals, ideas, and visions of how a quality life can still be had while living with MS. The volunteers are angels on earth, offering their support through professional talents, monetary donations, or smiles of encouragement—they truly have wings.

My relationships through MS Moments motivated me to follow my dreams, pay it forward, and coach basketball again. This is my first season as an assistant girls' basketball coach at ADM High School. While I still have the foundational love and encouragement of my friends at MS Moments, I now also have a new community of high school coaches and players. These individuals respect, push, love, and inspire me to be the best person I can be, who happens to have MS.

Life is not easy, but it is worth living! It may look different for all of us—whether with MS, as caregivers, or through other rollercoaster life experiences. But, just like the song "For Good" from the Broadway musical Wicked says, “because I knew you, I have been changed for good!”
Thanks to the relationships I’ve gained through MS Moments, my life has been changed for good.

JEFF COOK | MS MOMENTS GRANT RECIPIENT
My MS journey began in an unexpected way. In 2012, I went to the Mayo Clinic for a different condition and received the surprising news, “Oh, by the way, you have MS.” Some of the symptoms I had been experiencing were initially thought to be related to my diabetes. However, after considering MS, it all made sense, especially since I have two maternal aunts with MS.

MS Moments has made a significant impact on my well-being. I’ve been a grant recipient since the beginning, and the support has been invaluable. My massage therapist and acupuncturist are vital parts of my healthcare team.

The most beneficial service for me has been medical massage. It helps keep me centered and relieves the daily pain I experience. In the past, I have also utilized MS Moments for acupuncture and a fitness grant for my family. However, if I had to choose just one, it would be medical massage.

To the supporters and donors of MS Moments, I want to say a heartfelt thank you! Without your generosity, I would not be able to utilize these much-needed services.

Looking to the future, I am hopeful that ongoing research will lead to a cure for MS. In the meantime, I hope that through the continued generosity of donors, MS Moments can keep providing these essential grants.

YVONNE JONES-COWELS | MS MOMENTS GRANT RECIPIENT
When I was first diagnosed with MS, I didn’t know anyone else with the condition. Then I learned about pharmaceutical dinners, where I met others living with MS. It was through these events that I discovered MS Moments, and it has truly changed my life. I have met wonderful people and formed friendships that I know will last a lifetime.

The services I receive through MS Moments have made my life much less stressful. From acupuncture and house cleaning to medical massage, these services have greatly improved my ability to function. I thought I was managing my MS well, but it wasn’t until I got involved with MS Moments that I realized I was merely existing, not truly living.

When it started taking me three days just to clean my kitchen (which is probably why I’ve worn out my grill and smoker), I knew I needed help. That’s when the house cleaning services became a lifesaver. I still work full-time, and my body wears down quickly, so the medical massages have been essential in giving me the refueling I need.

I am incredibly thankful for my MS Moments family and all they have done to make my everyday life a little easier. Living with MS is no joke. I often tell people that my body is like a fault line, and I can have an earthquake at any moment. On that note, I hope these services will continue.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the donors, board members, supporters, and volunteers. Your contributions have touched my life in ways that words cannot fully express. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Yvonne Jones-Cowles (KC Chiefs fan 4life)

DONNIE YOUNG | MS MOMENTS GRANT RECIPIENT
MS Moments has made a significant difference in my life by teaching me so much about my MS journey. When I was first diagnosed, I had countless questions and felt alone, not knowing there was a village out there ready to welcome me with open arms and help me through this journey. The services they provide are amazing, and my favorite is the free monthly massage, which helps me a lot.

To the supporters and donors of MS Moments, I want to say thank you! Your continued support and presence make a huge impact on people like me. There are many others on this journey who are probably looking for a family like this one, so please keep being great!

My hopes for living with MS in the future are to be the best person I can be, whether that means helping others or doing whatever I can. We never know where the MS journey will lead us, but we just have to show up every day with a smile and be ready to battle what lies ahead. I live by a quote I was told when I was first diagnosed: “Control your disease; don’t let it control you.”