Stomping Out Multiple Sclerosis

Join the Movement Over 2.5 million people worldwide live with the devastating effects of Multiple Sclerosis, and every hour, someone is newly diagnosed. 

Hello, My name is Tim Beaudoin and I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis on November 17, 2004 after I came down with a serious case of optic neuritis and lost vision in my left eye for over nine weeks. Before I was diagnosed I had no idea I had Multiple Sclerosis. I had been experiencing minor MS symptoms for years, but had no idea what they really were because there is no history of MS in my family. To say I was shocked by my diagnosis would be an understatement. Eight months after I was diagnosed, both of my feet went numb and tingly like they were asleep and walking became very difficult. Since then, my life has been... Interesting. 

Since I was diagnosed my life has changed dramatically because of Multiple Sclerosis. I have to really watch what I eat to control my weight because regular exercise really isn't an option. I have to pay close attention to the weather (hot weather is bad) and plan my day accordingly. I have to plan how much walking I have to do each day because too much walking is very painful. And, perhaps most importantly, I have to remember to take my daily medication. 

It has not all been bad though as I have taken a new view on life and realize how important it is to connect and communicate with the people in our lives and to help others as best as we can. That is why I have taken part in various fundraising events (both real world and virtual) over the years. Although I have had some success raising money while taking part in real world events like WalkMS 2011 ($1100 raised), I have had much more success raising money thanks to my online connections. 

For example, I raised a little over $4600 for WalkMS 2014 almost completely from advertising my donation page while playing a video game, MechWarrior Online, over the course of a weekend. The support I received during WalkMS 2014 has inspired me to continue the fight against MS by creating my own online fund. With this fund it is easier to reach out to you, my friends and family, and ask for your support. Any donations, regardless of the amount, will help the National MS Society support promising research into the cause, treatment, and management of MS. Thank you for your support.