Jennifer Dugan

I’m walking toward a world free of MS

Every 28 days is my Tysabri infusion day. Every 28 days, I feel the effects of the medication that's helping me fight MS. The medication that makes me feel exhausted with an excruciating headache, but also the medication that will help give me the endurance in my left arm to hold my grandbabies.

More research is needed. I will say this until the day I die. MORE RESEARCH IS NEEDED! Multiple Sclerosis is invisible. On the outside, I look normal (whatever that means). But what people don't understand (even people that are in my closest circle), MS robs people of so much more than their mobility! There's not enough makeup or concealer to cover the dark circles under my eyes. There's not enough "brain tests" to help with the cognitive challenges I face - EVERY SINGLE DAY! There will never be enough sleep or rest to where I won't feel fatigued - the type of fatigue that no words will give it justice. There will never be enough OT/PT to help get the feeling back in my hands. The damage is done. There is no repair. I don't say this to seek sympathy. I say this to give you just a very-very small glimpse into my daily struggles. There's so much more to MS than what people think or see. There's a lot more to the image you see of someone in a wheelchair or someone needing a cane to help with balance or endurance. Keep this in mind. MS could be the reason behind a person riding a motorized cart at the grocery store or parking in a handicap parking spot. That "normal, healthy looking" person struggles every single day, often in silence. 

Again, MS IS INVISIBLE and affects everyone differently. As long as I have air in my lungs, I will fight this fight to bring awareness, to raise money, and to help put a face to this terrible disease. WalkMS is Saturday, April 27th, I would love for you to join my team, Walk With A Purpose, and help me raise the much needed funds to continue this fight! Below is the link to join and/or donate. Thank you for all the love and support!

I’m coming together with thousands of people across the country at Walk MS to raise funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society because a cure is on the line. Now is the time to do everything we can for the nearly 1 million people living with MS in the United States. 
I have set an ambitious fundraising goal, and with your support, I know I can achieve it. The Society is the best investment to solve the challenges of MS - with information, connections and support as well as a global network to achieve a cure.

This year’s new Walk MS experience will showcase why it’s so important for people with MS to be surrounded by the care and understanding of their support system. New Circles of Support will give participants the opportunity to share their place in the MS movement – as someone living with MS, someone who loves and supports a person living with MS or someone who supports the Society’s mission.

Will you join in the Circles of Support by making a donation to help me reach my goal? It's quick, easy and all donations are tax-deductible.