Our Champions of Courage
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When Erin Morrow discovered there were no support groups for young women with MS, she formed her own. Through this circle of friends, she discovered newfound strength, community, and the inspiration to write a book. | |
| Susan Zachary understands firsthand the value of online support. When she was diagnosed she felt isolated and alone — until she found an MS chat room. Her grant will be used to develop an interactive DVD to teach people with MS how to use their computers. |  |
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Having an assistance dog of her own, Cindy Ray is keenly aware of the benefits these fine animals provide. She will use her grant to start Paws with Purpose, which will train dogs to help with daily activities. | |
| Jami Hawkins used labyrinth and walking meditations to deal with her new circumstances and to move forward with her life. |  |
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Janet Marich is organizing Power Paws for MS, an animal-assisted therapy program for people with MS. | |
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Karen Henry found that water exercise helped lessen her muscle spasms and other MS symptoms. Her BCC grant will fund an aquatic exercise program at the Brandon Family YMCA.
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Susan Giddings has organized weekly pottery classes for community members with MS. “Clay is a great medium for people with MS. You don’t need your legs, you don’t even need two hands." | |
| Nora Sharkey will educate her MS community on how tandem bicycling has helped her to manage her disease. "The active, fun part of your life is not over just because you have MS." |
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Tracy MacDonald is using her grant to purchase a battery-operated electric bicycle that will enable her to participate in and support MS 150 rides sponsored by the National MS Society. | |
| Amelia Davis photographed a diverse group of people who are living with multiple sclerosis for a photographic book just published. |
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Pam Spence's BCC grant will help defray the expenses of her ambitious goal: to participate in eight MS 150 bike rides across the nation in 2003. |
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Patricia Miller uses yoga to maintain flexibility, relax and reduce stress. Her grant enables her to share the benefits by offering yoga classes for low-income community members. |
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When MS stopped Georgia-native Phil Martin from teaching water skiing to disabled kids, he found another way to stay involved. | |
| Sean Clifford's 1999 diagnosis of multiple sclerosis may have slowed the former triathelete, but he doesn't let it show. He and 5 others with MS participated in the 2002 MS Climb for the Cause. |
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"My life made seismic changes when I was diagnosed," says Ramon Sepulveda. "There is nothing like the uncertainty of MS to get you going. It is the reason I am experiencing life more." | |
| Lewis Scotton shared the benefits of snowshoeing through a workshop for local residents who would like to learn the sport. |
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