Champions

2015 Climb Masthead

The Climb to the Top Champions program is one of the most important links between Climb participants and people living with multiple sclerosis. The relationship between Champion and participant fosters education, awareness, gratitude and, most importantly, hope. As a Climb to the Top participant, you will have the opportunity to climb in honor of a person living with MS.

We climb to make a powerful statement, and to keep moving toward a cure. Thank you for joining the movement and for bringing us closer to a world free of MS.

We are so pleased and honored to share our 2014 Climb to the Top Champions:

	I was not formally diagnosed with MS until I was 57 but, looking back, I know I had MS related episodes that went undiagnosed. In 2003, I started a daily form of treatment that I feel has kept my MS in check. An early retirement and the support of my family have enabled me to work toward finding the cause and, eventually, a cure for MS. I raise money, lead a support group, volunteer at the chapter, lobby in Albany and DC and talk to whomever I can about the many ways they can help create a world free of MS. Thank you for climbing! - Andrea
	Young, beautiful, audacious, humorous sometimes nerdy diva - oh by the way, did I mention that I am living with MS? I was diagnosed New Years Eve in 2002, but quickly realized that MS is a PART of me and does NOT DEFINE me! As I continue my journey I choose to live life one step at a time with my supports fastened tight until I climb to that day there's a cure! - Ann Marie
	MS literally hit me out of left field. I was warming up for a baseball game when my legs became heavy and stiff and the symptoms worsened over the following weeks. I was scared because I did not know what was happening to my body. After a particularly difficult day, I visited the emergency room. The doctor could not tell me what was wrong and recommended that I see a neurologist. Ensuing visits and multiple MRIs confirmed that I had multiple sclerosis. I was 27. Since the diagnosis, my symptoms have dramatically improved. The path was bumpy, but I believe that my health is tied into my ability to maintain a positive attitude. My neurologist told me that his goal was to get me back on the baseball field, and, true to his words, I was able to return the following season. With the help of the National MS Society, I am able to gain the support I need and to interact with others like me. The Society helps me stay positive and keep moving. - Dan
	I was diagnosed with MS in 2006. I had been a social worker for 25 years, but as my MS progressed rapidly I became unable to work one year later. Today I utilize my professional and my personal experience with MS to volunteer for the MS Society. I am the co- chair of the government relations committee and a peer support leader. Previously, I ran the NYC marathon 3 times. I can't run any more but exercise daily to keep myself active and moving! As a former marathon runner and more importantly a person living with MS, thank you for your efforts! - John
	I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis on June 24, 2009 – a date forever ingrained in my memory and a date that would change my life. I had struggled with depression for most of my life and the months following my diagnosis were no different. My friends encouraged me to seek out support groups and that is when I found the National MS Society. At one of these groups, I found my calling to fitness. I realized that I no longer wanted to sit around and watch my life pass me by; I wanted to take charge, get up and get moving! I started to do yoga and to run and before I knew it, I had triumphantly finished my first triathlon in the fall of 2012. I cannot wait for my next one! MS will not stop me from living my life! - Hannah

There are several ways to show your support for your Champion:

• On your personal fundraising Web page, add their photo and explain why you are climbing.
• Personalize your "I’m Climbing For" bib (enclosed in your climber packet).
• Spread the word and share your Champion’s story when fundraising. Tell others about your experiences.
• Ask your Champion to partner with you for the next Society event (i.e. Walk MS or Bike MS) and stay in touch!

Learn more about the MS Champions for a World Free of MS by watching this inspirational video:

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