whiMSy

In a game of "Why re-invent the wheel?" I present an e-mail I wrote the other day. So far it's been sent to only my parents... watch your mailboxes!

(For those new to the blog, one of my best friends has MS. For the 3rd year we will participate in the MS Walk. In the past few years I have been amazed at the outpouring of generosity we have received towards raising money for this important cause. If you want to read more, click here for last year's post or here for the MS site).

Dear Friends,

Many of you have read my previous appeals about the MS Walk in which I participate each year to honor my friend Lisa. I'm writing you today to ask you to once again consider a donation to this important cause. In the past I have told you stories of Lisa's courage in teaching from her wheelchair and then training for a marathon. I am pleased to report that Lisa continues to be in good health. The challenge she has faced most recently has nothing to do with her disease - Lisa is currently going through a divorce. The only reason I mention this is because I have been amazed to witness her strength throughout this ordeal. Stress is one of the main triggers of her disease, and while she has been under an incredible amount of stress, she has not let herself be affected by her MS. It has been truly remarkable. Of course, her disease makes things a little more difficult in being a single parent, as she has proven over the past few years that full-time work is not in her best interest. She is working at a different school this year and they have been very supportive in working out a schedule to meet both her physical and financial needs in the best way possible. So all in all - things are good.

Lisa, our friend Amy, and myself sat down a few weeks ago to come up with a team name for this year's walk. After a fun brainstorming session, we finally settled upon "WhiMSy: Celebrating Life Despite the Challenges." This seemed appropriate because it is truly the way Lisa lives her life. She's been dealt a bad hand, first with MS, then with all she is dealing with in regards to her soon-to-be-ex-husband. Through it all, she remains a shining example of faith, hope, love, friendship, and optimism. She truly celebrates each day, despite the challenges she faces.

It is difficult for me to ask you for donations at this uncertain time in our country. I know most of us are dealing with our own financial struggles and questions. However, as I've always known, it never hurts to ask, right? In the times leading up to the last 2 walks, Lisa and I have been completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from so many friends, friends of my mom and dad, and even some strangers. In fact, last year my fundraising total was over $15,000 which placed me #1 for the Sacramento walk and #5 out of all of Northern California. Simply amazing! I would ask you now to consider making a donation once again to this very important cause. If a financial donation at this point is not a possibility, I ask you to keep Lisa in your prayers, and all of us in your thoughts on April 26 when we will take to the streets for the annual walk. Please also consider asking your company to match your gift if that is an option. It's a great way of making your generosity go even further! If you are a local and you would like to join our team, we would love to have you!

Thank you in advance for your support!

Casey

PS- In case you are wondering, due to the situation with her soon-to-be-ex, Lisa never got the chance to do her Disney marathon last year. However, she knew that she could do it, and in the end, that was all that mattered anyway!

Want to join our team? (If you don't live nearby, you can register as a "virtual walker.")

Want to donate?