MS Walk Reflections and Thanks From Paul Keohane
Hi, everyone –
Another 50 miles are in the books and, apart from a small
blister on the heel, my body is none the worse for wear. The weather
could not have been any better – cloudy, no rain and temps right around seventy
degrees all three days.
Although the walk, itself, was challenging, fun and as
emotionally charged as ever, it definitely wasn’t the same without my sister
with me. But given how many people stopped me throughout the weekend to
ask about her, sending their love and well wishes her way, Anne was certainly
with me in spirit.
When I sent out my initial Email a month or so back, I spoke
of perseverance. I talked of fighting the war that must be fought and not
giving up although the battle is long. I continue to be in awe of my
sister as she pushes back against MS every day. As I visited Anne at the
hospital before the walk and at rehab afterwards, I know she must be feeling
frustrated. But she refuses to let MS break her spirit. As we
talked about everything and anything, she filled the room with that wonderful
smile of hers and that joyful laugh. My sister Anne continues to be my
hero.
And what can I say about all of you? Time and time
again, I have reached out to you and asked for your support. And, time
and time again, you have answered the call. I set another lofty
fundraising goal this year -- $6000 – which is double the minimum Anne and I were
required to raise. Thanks to your amazing generosity, you not only
helped us reach that goal, you helped us shatter it. With several checks
left to clear, we are closing in on $8000!!! I cannot thank you all
enough.
Please know that these funds you give to the National MS
Society are invaluable to those fighting this disease. In fact, I have
started talks with their leadership group to fully cover the cost of a brand
new chair for Anne to use at next year’s event. I saw this bike being
demoed during the walk weekend and thought it would be a much better fit,
especially given her recent injury.
You make things like this possible. The funds you
provide not only go toward MS research and the ultimate quest for a cure.
They also provide that lift – emotionally and physically – to everyone who is
fighting their fight against MS. This help can involve paid-for
alterations to someone’s home to make their life more manageable. Or this
lift can be a new bike that allows someone to bring their fight to the Cape and
show MS that, although it may occasionally win a battle, it will never win the
war!
Again, thank you all SO very much for all of your support.
-
Paul
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