My mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when I was 15 years old. I’ve seen firsthand the debilitating affect the disease has had on her body and the toll it can take on her mentally.
I remember every stage of the disease, from the drunken walk to the cane, the walker, the three wheel scooter and finally the wheelchair. It has slowly and deliberately taken away her physical freedoms.
However, she has always been a remarkable source of mental strength for our family. One meeting and her chair and disability quickly disappear and you are left with one heck of an amazing woman!!
I have spent the better part of the last decade as a professional athlete. I have always had a desire to do something beyond the sport itself. In 2006 I won Ironman Canada – so the idea to join Multiple Sclerosis with Ironman Canada seemed like a natural one.
Ironman is an event that brings out the best in people…..guts, determination, courage and a small dose of nuttiness. Doing Ironman for something bigger can give people the prod in the backside that they may be looking for!
Race4MS is for everyone. The goal is to create a unique team of fantastic individuals who want to get across the finish line for the right reason – to end Multiple Sclerosis!!
Tags: disability, ironman canada, multiple sclerosis, professional athlete, race4ms, wheelchair
