[legzzalot]

Thanks to this cruddy disease I am physically unable to do many of the things I used to take for granted... like running, walking long distances, riding a bike, riding a horse... So when I get the facebok message from the NMSS of Richmond asking me which event I would like to help with (the MS run, bike MS, or MS Walk)I have to say I am a little perturbed that they don't offer any fundraising events that those of us who suffer from disabilities caused by MS can participate in.

Yes, I know, I can man a booth or just pledge money, but I really don't feel like supporting this idea. I think it is a darn shame that they do not have any fundraising events for disabled people!

[karousel]

Every year my best friend and I do the MS Walk together (and now our families). For a couple of years I couldn't do the walk so I volunteered. Let me tell you with my cognitive problems, how early I had to be there, and how long I had to stand on my feet I found it easier to just do the darn walk than to volunteer! So last year I went back to the walk, it takes just as much out of you as volunteering does.

I know NMSS is always looking for people to go into the offices to help out throughout the year. What about doing something like that?

[Aarcyn]

Every year there is an MS Walk Fundraiser. It "walks" through the Phoenix Zoo and Botanical Gardens. It is all cement so those of us in wheelchairs can easily participate. Large groups of people participate.

Check out the actual event because the Walk may be easy to do.

[NorthFlafan]

Originally Posted by legzzalot

Thanks to this cruddy disease I am physically unable to do many of the things I used to take for granted... like running, walking long distances, riding a bike, riding a horse... So when I get the facebok message from the NMSS of Richmond asking me which event I would like to help with (the MS run, bike MS, or MS Walk)I have to say I am a little perturbed that they don't offer any fundraising events that those of us who suffer from disabilities caused by MS can participate in.

Yes, I know, I can man a booth or just pledge money, but I really don't feel like supporting this idea. I think it is a darn shame that they do not have any fundraising events for disabled people!

I ask the following question in a non confrontational manner. Prior to being diagnosed with MS did you ever participate in the MS Walk or any other charitable Walk. There are MANY fundraising Events out there. The NMSS hasn't always had the walk , bike, mud run ect. They've added them as they were thought of or created.
Legzalot... I challenge YOU to create a Fundraising Event we the dis-abled or in my case differently abled can particiapte in.
There are women who have a Luncheon, mid week, last 1-2 hrs, educational, good food and indoors. Donations made at the end of lunch. They raise a phenominal amount. There is no physical exertion but it is a fundraiser.

How about creating a wii fundraising event. I'd be there for that event.

[SallyC]

I know what you mean, Leggs, but don't expect any sympathy from the do gooders of the world...MS or not.

They haven't done anything for me either, and I've given plenty. They took their branch office out of our town, so we don't even have that anymore.

God bless the people who walk and ride for MS, but please, with all respect, don't ask me to do it.

[barb02]

I was a bit annoyed as I received a whole kit the other day to send out letters to my friends to solicity money for the NMMS. the letter referred to the phone call where I agreed to do this. I did not talk to anyone on the phone about this. I did send out the letters two years ago, but I told them last year that I was not going to ask people for money again.

[NorthFlafan]

Originally Posted by barb02

I was a bit annoyed as I received a whole kit the other day to send out letters to my friends to solicity money for the NMMS. the letter referred to the phone call where I agreed to do this. I did not talk to anyone on the phone about this. I did send out the letters two years ago, but I told them last year that I was not going to ask people for money again.

I don't like to recieve pre - printed letters of solictation. I never donate to those type. I do donate to hand written or typed letters from individuals.

I hope if you participate in walks or other fundraising events you'll consider letter writting. : D
have a great day

[legzzalot]

Mud runs are an awesome idea! And yes, prior to I was very active in raising money for many charities.... from dancing on fire trucks to raise money for MD, to orchastrating blood drives, and volunteering for the rescue squad. I also have participated in t-shirt sales, bake sales, fishing tournaments... you name it. The majority of them, sadly were not for MS. Prior to being diagnosed I knew very little about this disease other than it was an autoimmune disease that ate holes in your brain.

The luncheon was another splendid idea that was removed from the events calendar here. Don't feel bad Sal.... my nearest office is over 60 miles from here.

Now a wii challenge.... hmmmmmm, that could be a blast.

How about an MS poker tournament??

[NorthFlafan]

Hey I love the Poker Tournament..... problem here in Fla.... No Gambling is Allowed, zip, nada, not happening.
I live in North Fl. the Local Chapter for me is Jacksonville... over 300 miles. Yep we see alot of society folks here. hahahah fofl ( falling on floor laughing)

The Few and Growing number, who are finding each other are stepping up (fig. speaking) to the plate and creating our Own Fundraisers. April will be the 17th Walk MS in my area. I had NEVER heard of the Walk EVER until I was diagnosed going on 4 yrs. now. I have participated in so many non profit fundraisings events, Heart, Diabeties, MD,United Way, Relay for life(14yrs of relaying for life), Breast CA, Autsim and countless other, But NEVER heard of Walk MS in this Area. 17th Annual Walk.... I have cognition issues but even I see there is a problem with that. Recieved an email stating the number of participants for our walk, 500, my jaw fell to the floor. Pitiful ! ! Oh, what was this thread about ? ! ? sorry... I'll get off my frustration soap box. thanks for your understanding.

[TXBatman]

Hey leggs, no offense taken and sorry if they are bugging you about it. Not knowing exactly what it is that keeps you off the bike, here are a couple of ideas i have seen done around here.

1) At our gym, they have folks that do the MS rides on spinning bikes or recumbent exercise bikes. That way when they get tired, they can get off, if they have balance problems, they don't have to worry about weaving into traffic, and if they have heat issues, they can do it in air conditioned comfort. Some folks ride for 30 minutes, some ride for 4 hours.

2) One of the ladies in our Because We Can group has bought several tandem bicycles and she and her church work to pair up strong riders with riders with MS and they provide the tandem bike to ride. That works for some...but not for others...

FWIW, I love the idea of the Wii challenge...sounds like a terrific idea...you could even do multiple different events and give prizes to the top fundraisers and to the winners of the events. Seriously...that is one you should approach your chapter with, they would probably be very interested. I may even have to steal the idea and talk to our local chapter about it too...