Thank you for taking the time to read my story. It is important for me to start off by saying that I am grateful for the abundance of health and happiness that I have in my life. Despite the fact that I have been diagnosed with a disease that has left me debilitated at times, I believe that having a positive attitude has been my number one source of combating this disease.
The first significant attack that I had was in April of 1996 when I suddenly lost the vision in my right eye for six weeks. It was at that time that I had my first MRI, only to have inconclusive findings. Over the years I silently battled bouts of fatigue that would leave me physically and mentally exhausted. I chose not to directly address the issues until it reached the point where I began to lose the feeling in my feet in addition to increasing bouts of incapacitating fatigue. I had another MRI in January of 2009 and a month later I was officially diagnosed with MS.
I’ll never forget that day. My close friend Nicole Leff was with me at the neurologists’ office. She was there to support me, despite that fact that she had helplessly watched her mother Debbie deteriorate under the wrath of this disease for many years and eventually pass away on Thursday, June 04, 2009. That spring prior to her death, both of our families united at the MS Walk. Sadly, it was Debbie’s last time participating in this event. I can’t begin to tell you what it felt like to participate in the MS Walk and to have a large sticker over my chest declaring that “I am living with MS”.
I decided that I need to do more. I want in to make a difference and to help find a cure for MS. I want to participate in a venture that speaks to some of my core interests of physical fitness, healthy eating as well as creating education and awareness of MS. That is why I decided to participate in the MS Climb. I would like to do what I can to help MS Climb raise 1 million dollars to elevate the support of MS research, and individuals and families living with MS. It is also important to me that I serve as a power of example to others facing MS, while living a healthy and happy life despite of this potentially crippling disease.
I am extremely grateful to have the support of my mother Elly Litvak to work with me on this campaign. Her positive attitude and willingness to give of herself is an ongoing source of motivation for me.
I appreciate any time or money that you are willing to donate to this cause. Please visit my donation site to make a donation and help us to achieve our goal.
With gratitude,
Yonan
