Lisa's Run in a Dress for MS Fundraiser

Hello!  For all of you who don't know me, my name is Lisa Hubbartt, and I am an RN at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, IL.  I am also an Independent Younique Presenter and a member of ESA Philanthropic Sorority.  I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in May of 2011...almost exactly 4 years ago when I had a bout of double vision. After a month of doctor's visits, an MRI was finally scheduled and lesions consistent with MS were found.  I had actually had another flare up in high school when I went numb from the waist down, but doctors did not know what the cause was at that time. After my current flare up, a trip to Mayo Clinic was made for all of the testing, and Multiple Sclerosis was confirmed.  My current symptoms include memory loss, trouble recalling names and words, frequent mood changes, extreme fatigue, trouble with focusing, poor balance, and tingling/numbness at times.  As of now, although annoying and frustrating, my symptoms are relatively minor, and my goal is to keep it that way. I try hard to stay active, eat right (most of the time lol), and be healthy. Participating in 5K races is one way I stay motivated.

MS is a disease that everybody hears about, but not everybody really understands what it is all about.  Even as a nurse, I hadn't ran across it enough to truly know the ins and outs of the disease...especially all the different symptoms. Many people don't know what it is, because it is often called a "silent" disease. Symptoms are not often seen if the disease is not severely progressed, yet we live with its effects every single day.    

Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological disorder which causes lesions on the brain and spinal cord.  Our nerves have a protective covering called the myelin sheath.  This sheath is our nerves' insulation and allows all the signals that the brain sends to the rest of the body to be sent correctly.  The lesions are places where this myelin has broken down, which means the signals to the brain cannot send properly.  It's the same idea as an extension cord.  If the rubber covering to the electrical wire gets cut or worn, then cord will malfunction or not work at all. Because we, who suffer from MS, have no idea where these lesions will form within the brain and spinal cord, the symptoms are different for everybody.  The scariest part of the disease is not knowing what will happen from day to day or what part of the body will be affected next.  As of now, there are many medications that can be taken to slow the progression of the disease, but there is no cure at this time.  

The Habing Family of Teutopolis started Run In A Dress For MS in 2013, creating this amazingly fun event to raise money for the National MS Society. Men, Women, and Children of all ages find the most fun and whacky dresses/skirts they can find, wearing them for the race!  This run is such a blast and truly expands awareness about Multiple Sclerosis.  This fundraiser will support Run in a Dress for MS.  All proceeds from the event are donated to the National MS Society.  The Society's mission is: "We mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS." 

We appreciate your donations so much and are hopeful for a cure of this terrible disease!
Please help us in the fight for a World Free of MS!!!
Learn more about Multiple Sclerosis at www.nationalmssociety.org.