In 2008, my childhood friend Joy, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. While the cause of MS is unknown, it is considered to be an autoimmune disease which causes the body to attack its own immune system. The symptoms, severity and duration of MS varies from person to person.

For eight years, Joy participated in the Walk MS Campaign to help raise money for MS research.

No longer able to participate in the walk due to the progression of the disease, Joy and her family still wanted to contribute to the MS Society so they created their “Stomp Out MS annual fundraiser” which they began in 2017.

Through the kindness and generosity of The Union Knights of Columbus, their next event will be held on May 21, 2022.

You can come out and help “Stomp Out MS” at their Stomp Out MS Tricky Tray, hosted by Joy and her husband Ira. I have chosen her event as the spotlight for Habitual Gratitude in April.

There are several ways you can help. Joy is collecting donations to create prizes and baskets for her tricky tray until April 15. You can also support her by attending the event on May 21, 2022. Tickets are available for $25. If you would prefer to make a monetary donation, you can do so as well. The National MS Society is a registered 501(c) (3).

*Beginning today until May 21, for every purchase of our, “One Step at a Time” mug , tote bag or Tee-Shirt, Habitual Gratitude will donate one dollar towards Joy’s Stomp Out MS fundraiser.