LINDSAY

In the Fall of 2012, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. At the time, I was a 2nd year OB/GYN resident, was working 80 hours per week, and barely had time to think about what I was going to have for dinner let alone a life-changing diagnosis of a chronic illness.  It was during that time that I turned to exercise as a way to clear my mind and relieve stress.  When I graduated residency, my sister convinced me to train for my first half marathon and two years later we ran our first full marathon.  For me, running has been an excellent way to continue to prove to myself and my body that multiple sclerosis is a disease that I will battle for the rest of my life and WIN.  I could not remain this optimistic without the incredible support of my husband, my parents, and especially my sister, who convinced me that I could be a runner in the first place.  

After some trial and error, my disease has been completely stable on medication. I am so grateful to have had access to excellent physician and hospital care in that time. Since then, I have run countless miles (and delivered just as many babies!). Some people aren’t as fortunate as me. This year, I (along with my running partner for life) are lucky enough to have the opportunity to run the NY marathon to raise money for research on MS. Please, please consider donating. Whether it’s $1 or $100, your donation could make a huge difference in someone’s life.  

I have MS, but MS doesn’t have me

MORGAN

I’ll never forget the call that I received from my dad in Fall 2012.  I was standing in the UB Law Library, waiting for the elevator. When I picked up, my dad said “Morgan, we need to talk.” He told me that my sister had lost vision in one of her eyes, and that the doctors thought it might be a sign of multiple sclerosis.  Weeks later, her diagnosis was confirmed. I had heard of MS before, but I had no idea what having MS really meant. My initial thoughts raced to paralysis or even death, and I remember feeling so scared. Lindsay is 4 years older than me, and has always been my role model.  From her academic abilities and sense of fashion, to her remarkable kindness and passion to help others, she was always so perfect in my eyes. I found myself wondering how, and more importantly why, does someone like her get diagnosed with this terrifying disease?

Seven years later, I now know more information about multiple sclerosis.  I know that the progression of the disease and severity of symptoms is not the same for any one person.   I know that MS does not always cause paralysis, and that the the majority of people with MS do not become severely disabled. Every single day, I feel so lucky that my sister’s MS is stable on medication; however, I know that the cause of MS is still unknown, and that there is currently no cure.  

This is why I have chosen to run the NY marathon with my sister to raise money for research on MS.  Please consider donating any amount - no donation is too small! I am confident that one day, this disease will have a cure, and no one will have to experience what my sister and my family experienced in Fall 2012.  Now, Lindsay is even more perfect in my eyes than she was before. She is a stronger and more powerful version of herself. She has MS, but MS does not have her.