This was the theme of this year’s National MS Society's
Annual Leadership Conference held in Denver from November 7-9 and what an
extraordinary conference it was. The general sessions were attended by 700 to 1,000
participants and greater than the number of attendees was the sense of hope,
optimism and outlook for the future of the treatment of this disease.
We all know that “MS kills connections”. The disease causes
short-circuits that prevent the brain from sending messages to the body. But
how do “connections kill MS”? Very simple. The more researchers we connect with to study
this disease, the more progress we make towards developing better treatments
and a cure. The more people we engage in our lobbying efforts, both individuals
and lawmakers, the more funding we can get towards research and the better
treatment we get for those affected by the disease. The more people become
aware and educated about MS, the more money we can raise through our walks,
bike rides, dinners, bake sales and any other means used to raise money to help
fund our research and advocacy efforts. In other words, our “connections kill
MS”.
Inspired? You bet I am. After attending this conference it
would be impossible not to feel inspired. Many of the general sessions were
spent recognizing those individuals who have made the biggest difference in the
past year. The top researchers, the biggest fundraisers and most effective
advocates were all recognized for their contribution to the progress that has
been made over the past year.
Why was I there? For the 2nd year in a row I was asked to be
the co-emcee of the event with Reyna Magpale as my partner. (She is an amazing emcee and is ready to take
over doing the evening news!) Being
asked to participate in this event was truly one of the greatest honors I have
ever been asked to do.
I wish that everyone could attend this event because if they
did, they would return home ready to do more. They would do more fundraising.
They would ask more people to participate. They would be more involved with
advocacy and talking to their lawmakers. I know that they would do more because
I know that I will do more.
Doing more means making more of a difference. Making a
difference means living a life that matters. Living our life in a way that matters is
why we are here.
I am ready to do more and hope that you will join me at walk
MS 2014 on Sunday, April 6 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. To register, donate
and make a difference click here.
Participate. Make a difference. Live a life that matters.
