For A Cure (MS Walk 2011)

On Saturday, May 21st, my family headed downtown to Headwaters Park to participate in the Multiple Sclerosis Walk.

We have walked every year since 2006 in honor of my step-dad, Bill Budrow.  I Treasure This Time Together every year!  My parents are now involved with the IN chapter of the MS Society.  They arrive at 6:30am to hang balloons throughout the park.  My family arrives at 8am to turn in our donations, make our signs for our backs, and gather to celebrate my dad!  Bryce arrived a little later this year with my brother because he was afraid that he wouldn't be able to complete the walk with his tummy troubles...it was nice to see them at the finish line!!!

 The boys enjoying time with Grandpa!

Rylan with his medal at the finish line!

We have a team called "Budrow's Buddies."  Every year we try to do more and more with our fundraising efforts.  This year we had a bump in the road with our family medical set backs.  Even so, we were able to gather some funds through some fun efforts.  The boys took letters to their classmates that talked about their grandpa and his disease.  Attached to each letter, we stapled a cardboard box, and asked classmates to save change for 6 weeks prior to our walk.  This was a HUGE success and it made my boys really take ownership of their donations.  We also purchased some large boxes of snacks and sold them at our school during our 5th grade play.  We continued selling the snacks during a garage sale and I placed a box in my lounge at school.  All the profits from these snacks went toward our MS fundraising.  My greatest joy throughout all of this was watching my boys take ownership in this event and get excited to do something good for our community!  I hope that this event each year will instill the importance to give and do good deeds for others.

It is important to us to raise funds to help the Society continue its mission to mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS.  My step dad, Bill Budrow, was diagnosed with MS in June 2004, at 49 years of age.  The diagnosis was a shock, this disease typically attacks women in their 30's...not men in their 40's.  You would never have known that my dad was "sick".  He didn't look sick on the outside but his symptoms were beginning to change his daily life.  Even with this disease, my dad continues to persevere through his symptoms and struggles EACH day.  He injects himself daily to control his symptoms.  Bill is one of my heroes!  He doesn't allow his disease to control his life!  It has limited him and slowed him down but he lives each day to the fullest and beyond!!!  I am currently living in an unknown world medically.  I know that I have an auto immune disease but not certain which one.  I pray that when the diagnosis is made, I will be able to show the grace and humility that my dad has shown...again, he is one of my heroes!  I love you Bill :)

 Writing a note for Bill on the Wall of Hope!

The Budrow's Buddies Treasuring Time Together!!!