Walking Closer To A Cure For Multiple Sclerosis...One Step At A Time
Suzan Knese has been participating in Walk MS for a decade and always finds the time and energy to make it a part of her spring.
"For me it's a testament for all those people whose daily lives are affected by MS and the uncertainty and challenges that come with it," Suzan said. "It's for the people I see in the doctor's office who are in a wheelchair and that it's just by a stroke of luck that I could be that person. It's an opportunity to give back and pay tribute to people who have been so affected. It's a chance to raise money to find a better treatment and ultimately a cure for MS."
Suzan was diagnosed with MS in 1999 shortly after having her second child, but she knew about MS long before that as her friend's mother lived with MS.
"From a very young age I was exposed to MS and its devastating effects," Suzan said. "I've seen her go through all the myriad of treatments from FDA-approved therapies to exploratory ones. I grew up with her and saw her go from using a cane to a walker and eventually to a motor scooter."
Now, being a team captain for her Walk MS team is just something that Suzan does and she doesn't consider stopping.
"The motivation for me is I know this is something that I made a commitment to that affects my family and me," she said. "It's part of who I am."
Her fundraising philosophy is pretty simple Ð she just asks.
"I start out by thanking people for donating in the past and if they can only donate $10 to acknowledge what that $10 does," Suzan said. "I explain how it feels to stand up and fall down or not being able to stand and the uncertainty that comes with MS. It's about making it personal and having people understand that it's something near and dear to my heart. I personally handwrite thank you notes to those who donate to me. I just want them to realize that I do appreciate what they do."
Suzan also appreciates her teammates who include family and friends. She also has used Walk MS as a bit of a reunion of sorts for her sorority from Southeast Missouri State University.
"I have a group of girls from my sorority who have been incredibly supportive in my walk," Suzan. "I try to make it fun that the girls are getting back together. It's become like an annual reunion. It's a fun event."
The Gateway Area Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society hosts Walk MS events all over the area. Visit www.gatewayMSsociety.org for dates and locations of the one nearest you. If you don't want to walk, we are always looking for great volunteers.
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