Keeping Mare S'MYELIN!

Since 1996, my mom has been living with Multiple Sclerosis (aka the MonSter!) When I was little, I really didn't understand what MS was...to me, my mom was doing everything she always did. In my 9 year old head, I thought it would be okay to volunteer her to go catch balls in the outfield at softball practice but it was around then I realized that something wasn't right. Multiple Sclerosis is a strange disease that effects all people differently, but it comes down to the protective coating of our nerves (Myelin Sheath) deteriorating, basically. For my mom, this nerve deterioration has effected her legs. Since 2001, when she broke her hip she's been in a wheelchair, and it was about that time when I decided that I wanted to do everything I could to help find a cure for this terrible disease.

When I was in high school/college I would do the MS Walk, there was a $100 minimum fundraising goal, and the walk would be on a Sunday afternoon and would last about an hour, if that! This year however, while perusing the Multiple Sclerosis Website, I found...The Challenge Walk! At the top of the webpage it read Accept the challenge. Journey toward a world free of MS. After reading the details, a 2 day 30 mile walk, I thought, "Alright, challenge accepted!" I put my deposit down and then read the donation section, which noted that each participant needed to raise $1,500 minimum. Now, really, that's a lot! Especially from someone recently out of college, most of my friends are focused on paying for rent, and I thought how the heck can I ask people to donate to something that they aren't effected by?! Cancer effects everyone, and as someone who has attended several Relay for Life events, it is amazing how much people are willing to give to find a cure for that cause, because everyone knows SOMEONE effected, right? But Multiple Sclerosis...most people would have no idea what that is! But what's done was done, and I had to find a way to get $1,500 (and ideally someone to walk 30 miles with!)

Thankfully, my best friend since 6th grade, Katie Martin was also up for the challenge! By posting links to donate on facebook, and sending emails to family and friends, I was AMAZED by how many people are willing to give to help our cause. I always knew that I was lucky with my friends, and family and with how supportive everyone is, but I sincerely was blown away with the generosity of those around me! THANKS EVERYONE!!!!

But anyway, as much as we got from friends, Katie and I knew we had to do something big to reach our goals. We started brainstorming on ideas of how the heck we could reach our combined $3,000 goal, and we decided on a beef and beer (because who doesn't love beef, and more-so who doesn't love beer!) Victory Brewing Company was the first to respond, and thanks to a friend from college, I was able to get 4 cases of beer donated, along with a growler and 2 filling certificates to auction off! It was then we realized, okay we can't just have things donated with no where to have the event. Well, for those of you that know my mom, she pretty much would talk to/befriend anyone, and a few months ago while using a Groupon to Bistro at Our Town in Exton, PA, my mom and chef/owner Angela became instant friends! She made a quick phone call, and just like that Katie and I had a venue/food for our function, everything was coming together, woooo!!!!! We then contacted Chadds Ford Winery, Taste of Olive, ACAC Gym, The Philadelphia Flyers, friends/family to try to get other items to raffle off, and we were accepted with open arms! Chadds Ford Winery gave us 30% off our order, Taste of Olive donated EVOO and Balsamic, ACAC with a free month gym membership, the Philadelphia Flyers a signed puck, Katie's work donated an amazing Phillies basket, my cousin manager of AppleBee's in Exeter donated a gift card, my mom's best friend donated Sarabeth's Jellies (Oprah's favorite thing!)..basically our dreams for this event was coming to reality!

26 people attended the event, and a great time was had by all :) and even better, we both were able to meet our goal, by collecting over $1,300 last night! I truly cannot express my gratitude to all of my friends and family for all of your support. I will be thinking of all of you next weekend (while my legs wobble underneath of me) and I know it will be all of your thoughts and prayers that will get me through it! And Mom, we WILL keep you S'MYELIN, I promise :)

Becoming One with Nature

So, I created this blog a few months ago, but I could never think of anything to write about! I just moved into an apartment with my boyfriend, and I contemplated writing about our entertaining daily encounters, like no matter many times I ask, the toilet seat is ALWAYS up. I started going to a personal trainer in the beginning of August, so I've been trying to eat healthy, and my trainer puts me through some pretty grueling work outs (down 14 lbs woo woo!) But, after speaking to my friend Laura, an avid blogger herself, I decided that I don't need a focus, per say! I will be writing about life as a big kid :)

This weekend was one of the first in a while that Ryan (aforementioned boyfriend) and I didn't have plans, so we reconnected with my college roommate and her husband and road tripped to Wells State Park, MA and became one with mother nature. Well, I thought camping would be a fun, different thing to do, however after telling people my plans I started getting a little nervous. My mom responded by laughing for 5 minutes straight and saying "you can't go camping!," another friend responded "HAHAHA what bet did you lose?. Granted, I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner, considering when I was living at home and my dad would tell me that I had to go outside and rake leaves or something, I would cry and beg and plead to get out of this chore because obviously the worms on the leaves were going to attack me?? (As I'm sure I'll get to in later posts, I have plenty of irrational fears)

So after a $300+ trip to Dick's Sporting Goods, and a 5 and a half hour drive to Massachusetts we arrived at our weekend home, the woods. Putting up the tent went better than expected, many thanks to the couple we went with and their camping experience! But first thing was first, it was 40ish degrees, and some people may not find this to be a cold temperature, but 2 pairs of pants, boot socks, uggs, a snow hat, and 3 layers of shirts/sweatshirts later, I was adequately warm enough to sit by the fire and enjoy some cocktails. The next day was actually pretty warm, which I enjoyed for about a half hour, until the BEES came out to play! Irrational fear #2. I hate bees. I ended up running around the campsite, with my ears plugged (because no matter what people say the buzz is the worst part).

Basically, this weekend was one I will never forget. I've never been so open/okay with peeing in the woods, now I'm a professional squatter (TMI?) I learned how to cook vegetables on a fire thing (is it a grill?),  and I got to  spend some quality time with some great friends.

Next Weekend: MS Walk Fundraiser! Can't wait to share stories about that too!