Showing posts with label MS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MS. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Another Anniversary!

It's been three years.  Three years since my diagnoses of MS.  As I was looking back, I wrote this post a year into it.  I have to say.  Not much has changed (Thank the Lord!)  I am doing SO well.  I have learned to listen to my body.  I have learned what works and what doesn't.  And in some kind of weird way, I think my MS has been a blessing.  It has made me more aware of what my body is capable of and the power of positive thinking. 
Things aren't too bad for me, and I am grateful for that, but it also reminds me that so many others with MS *ARE* suffering. Things aren't as easy for them. 

But today, I will remember to stay positive, and to be thankful for the many challenges God brings my way.  I will also remember how scared I was back then and remind myself that I am never alone in this.  I have a wonderful God who is ALWAYS with me, a supportive husband who is always there, and family and friends who I can always count on. 


This was written back on February 12, 2010.....


A year ago today, I posted this request for you to pray. YOU did! And I am so thankful! Then I posted this explaining what was going on....I have to say that I honestly never saw it coming...who ever does really? We tend to think nothing bad is ever going to happen to us.

I've learned so much in this past year, and I know that God puts these challenges in our lives for a reason. I've learned that I have to listen to my body. That's a hard thing for this "I-love-my-routine" girl. Sometimes I have to just slow down, take a rest and refocus on what is really important. Fatigue is the worst complication I've had so far. And that is something I can deal with.

Back in June, I started a treatment program. The medicine is basically to keep the MS from progressing as fast. It's not a guarantee and honestly, the doctors don't really know if it will work...but I feel like I at least have to give it a go. So I do a daily injection...remember my friend, Polly...she and I have become the best of friends. The injections aren't too bad. Most of the time, I swell up a little at the injection site...followed by a bruise and/or lump...but nothing a long sleeve shirt can't hide. I keep telling my friend Laura who has some pretty amazing artwork on her arms that I might need to think about getting a tattoo....just to hide the bruising.

There will always be hurdles to face and struggles to overcome. There will be rough days, when I have to rely on others to help me through....but I'm not going to sit around and wait for those days to come. I'm going to enjoy the everyday, great days that are here now!

I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful, supportive family and group of friends. People who check in on me, friends who make sure I'm not overdoing it, and most importantly a husband who is by my side every moment of the way.

God has blessed me more than I could ever imagine. I am so thankful for all the challenges He sends my way. For in those challenges, I grow closer to Him and that is the greatest gift.


**Since then, I do have a real-life friend named Polly....another blessing to me!  And as far as those tattoos go....well, I don't have any, but I still admire them on Laura. 

I am SO blessed!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

MS Walk - Challenge!

The other day I was thinking about this new challenge of earning a team tent for Traci's Troops! and the 2011 MS Walk.  We have participated in the Walk for the last two years, and both years, Traci's Troops! has been a top team.  This year, the new requirement is to earn at least $3000 in order to qualify for a team tent. 

That seems like a huge amount of money to raise. Then I got to thinking about my medication and how if I didn't have the great health insurance that we have, we would have to try to come up with $3,551.81 EACH MONTH.  That is what my medication costs every.single.month.  I can't even imagine.  I honestly don't know what we would do. 

Luck for me, I am on a program with the drug company, along with my insurance, and we only pay $35 per month.  Incredible! 

So that has really inspired me to try my hardest to earn at least $3000. If you feel the need to help me and others suffering from this disease, you can donate here!

Also, the deadline to earn a team tent is August, 28th....just a few days away....please consider helping.  I would really appreciate it!

And a HUGE "Thank You" to all of you that have already registered to be on my team and/or already donated!  I know who you are and thank you from the bottom of my heart! 

 

Thursday, August 11, 2011

One Month....

from today is the MS Walk 2011. 

And I need YOUR help!

The coordinators of the event have changed things up a bit and have made things a little more challenging. I'm always up for a good challenge, but I need your help to make things happen. 

My favorite thing about the MS Walk is that *anyone* can participate and I love how they make it a total family event.  There is NO registration fee to walk.  You just register and come.  Having so many friends and family there supporting me is the MOST AMAZING feeling.  Seeing all of you in your orange shirts, puts a huge smile on my face. 

However, if you are able, donations are ALWAYS welcome.  This year, in order to have a TRACI'S TROOPS! tent, I have to at least raise $3000.  It seems like a lot, but I think together we totally can do it.  No amount is too small.  If you have just a little to give, it WILL help!

If you are able, you can click the link here and donate online!  Please consider giving to this cause!  Your support will help so many people.  If you just want to register to walk, you can do that by clicking here , scroll down and find "Traci's Troops! and "Join Team"!

As I type this blog post, my heart is really thinking about the other events going on one month from today.  Our country will be remembering the horrible events that took place almost 10 years ago.  In honor of that, I really want to show our love and support to those families who lost loved ones on that horrific day.  I would love to have several people carry American flags along the walk route. I have purchased American flag stickers and tattoos to show our support.  If you have another idea of how we can show our support, I'm totally open to suggestions. 


Thank you for considering to help out Traci's Troops!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Traci's Troops! heads west!

As you may know....the Sullivans are heading west for a family road trip!

One of the reasons for the above said road trip is that we found a super fun MS event. It is a 2-mile family hike at Copper Mountain in Colorado. To top it off, one of our favorite bands (The Freddy Jones Band) is performing a free concert after the hike. How awesome is that!

So we created a Traci's Troops! team (who cares if it's only a team of four people, right!) and joined the Cooper Mountain event. We're packing our orange shirts and getting geared up to enjoy all our family time together.

I'm using this event to get me pumped and ready to get back and start growing Traci's Troops! back home. So be ready....make sure your calendars are marked for September 11. Go ahead and register here if you want. I want Traci's Troops! to be even bigger than last year and I want YOU to be a part of my team!



Wednesday, June 22, 2011

A little inspiration for today....

I saw this on the Today show this morning and just had to share it!

Maybe it's MS, or cancer, or some other devastating disease, just finding one other person who you can talk to makes a world of difference. Even if your situation is different, (cause everyones is), knowing someone who understands a little bit of what you are going through is super important in my opinion.


Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy


I was recently asked this week to provide a quote for some MS WALK material that is being sent out.....and one of the most important things I have learned is this! "Yes, I have MS....but MS does NOT have me!"


Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Join my Team!

Doesn't this look like so much fun! Be a part of Traci's Troops! to help fight MS!

Join Today!

Monday, June 6, 2011

Traci's Troops!

It's that time again!

It's time to register for this years MS Walk!

Traci's Troops! has walked for the last two years and I'd LOVE to make this year the biggest year ever!

Hopefully, you've all marked your calendars.....if not, you can do that now!

Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ Tower Park in Peoria Heights (little bit different location!...more details on that later!) I'd love for you to be there by 12:30 so we can get our group picture and then the 3-mile walk begins at 1:00.

Traci's Troops! was the largest "team" last year at the walk and together we can make it even bigger this year!

What do you need to do? Just register to be a part of the team! There is NO registration fee....just takes a few minutes to register online!

You can register HERE!

Come and be a part of Traci's Troops! and walk to find a cure for MS!

There will be LOTS more info to come!

Monday, March 14, 2011

MS Awareness Week!

Register today to become a part of Traci's Troops! and help stop MS!


Friday, February 11, 2011

Another Milestone!

There seem to be several different milestones for me in the month of February.

And tomorrow is another one.

Two years ago tomorrow, (February 12, 2009) was the day I was introduced to Multiple Sclerosis.

I can honestly say that us meeting wasn't a part of my plan. I was still living in somewhat of a bubble at that time, thinking nothing bad could ever happen to me or my family.

In the beginning of my relationship with MS, I was scared. I was afraid of the unknown, I was totally intimidated by all the shades of gray. Nothing is black and white with MS. Everyone is affected differently, everyone has different symptoms. Just a lot of uncertainty. (And we all know I don't handle any of that well!)

But today, my relationship is different. I still wish I didn't have to know MS. But I do...nothing will change that. But a few good things have come from our relationship. I have been able to really get to know my body. To listen to it, which was something I never did before. I now rest when my body tells me to rest and slow down and try to let go (just a little) when it tells me to do that. I am doing really well and I hope to continue on this path for a very long time.

I have also learned that getting through all those unplanned areas of life would be a lot tougher without all the wonderful people in my life. My solid-as-a-rock hubby has been a wonderful supporter. Always encouraging and always positive. I couldn't have done it without him.

My family and friends support has helped a lot as well. So many of you coming out and supporting me during the MS Walk. Oh, how happy that makes me feel to see so many of you.

Speaking of that....do you have the 2011 MS Walk date already in your calendar? I hope so, it's Sunday, September 11. Same place and same time! I'm already getting excited for it...I want Traci's Troops! to be the biggest team again this year. I've also purchased some fun accessories for us this year. (Orange "Traci's Troops!" kazoos, and American flag glitter tattoos!) We are going to have so much fun! If you already know you can come....and want to get registered, you can do that by clicking on this link. Click on "Join Team" in the gray shaded box. Let's start building our team!


**There is still time to get in on the giveaway from my friend Jessica! A winner will be drawn later today!**

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Inspiration!

Scroll down and turn off my blog music before you start the video!



I saw this yesterday morning on the Today Show.

It's amazing how just the right attitude can make a world of difference.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

MS Walk Update!

Just wanted to take a minute to again thank all of my family and friends who supported me during the MS Walk last month. Traci's Troops! was a huge success this year with a much bigger team than last year and together we raised $3611.00! That is HUGE! Thank you so much for being so generous with your money and your time! I really appreciate it!

I can't wait to see what we can do next year!

Monday, September 13, 2010

Traci's Troops!

Once again, Traci's Troops! was a huge success. Beautiful day plus a great group of supportive family and friends made this years event AMAZING! Here are just a few of the great shots my friends took!





You are all truly amazing and I couldn't have done this walk without every single one of you! Thank you all so much for being a part of my team!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Seeing lots of Orange!

This year's MS Walk is just days away, and I can hardly stand the excitement. There is already a sea of orange....and that's just sitting in my living room. What's that mean?, you say....Traci's Troops! t-shirt are done and ready! I think they look pretty good!


I decided to be a little bit more thrifty this year and NOT put the date on the shirts. This way they can be recycled and worn again next year. Another thing I changed from last year, was to put "Traci's Troops!" on the back of the shirt. While we were walking last year, it was hard to tell (in the sea of orange shirts) if the people ahead of us were "with" us or another group! This way we will know for sure!

So I'll be out and about the next few days, delivering as many shirts as I can before Sunday! I can't wait to see you all and keep your fingers crossed for a beautiful day!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

One Month!

One month from TODAY is September 12! Do you have it marked on your calendar? I hope so!!

It is the second annual MS Walk that Traci's Troops! is participating in! And I want YOU there!

I know it's still a month away...but I'm getting ready to place my order for T-shirts and want to make sure I have enough!

So let me know....and remember this is an event for the entire family! Bring your hubby and kids...heck, bring your 4-legged friend too!

I know a lot of you can't be there this year....but you can still be there in spirit! Plan to wear your orange that day and say a little prayer for a beautiful, cool day!

Please contact me and let me know who in your family is planning to come. I'll get you registered and make sure I have a T-shirt with your name on it. (maybe not literally!)

Support Traci's Troops! and a great cause! Join me as we walk to find a cure for MS!


MS WALK 2010
Sunday, September 12th
@ 1:00
Junction City, Peoria
(The walk is approximately 3 miles...down Prospect and back!)
I'd love for you to arrive around 12:30 so we can get everyone together!

Thanks!
Traci's Troops!


Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Letter to MS!

Dear Multiple Sclerosis,

You are NOT my friend. You will NEVER be my friend!

I don't like how you try to ruin my days. I can do that on my own, thank-you-very-much. I don't like how you mess up my plans. Don't you know me at all...I'm a girl with a plan. I don't like how you sometimes make me rely on other people to do my "job"! And honestly, you are just a pest!

Yes, I have to deal with you...but let's just get this one thing straight....

I will NOT let you bring me down!

I will keep my spirits up!

Oh, and I am *waaayyy* stronger than you!

So go ahead, do what you do to me, but know that I will fight you every step of the way!


Monday, June 7, 2010

It's that time again....

It's time to register for this years MS WALK!

It will be held on Sunday, September 12 (that's the Sunday before Pumpkin Fest for all of my *M* friends!) and I need you **ALL** to join Traci's Troops!

Last year was such a huge success and I think we all had a great time! So let's do it again....let's have a sea of orange shirts out there supporting a great cause!

If you think you might be able to make it, click here to register. Then click on "Join Team" in the dark gray shaded area! There is no registration fee. Just come and walk, bring your family, and show your support by wearing orange. It is a great fun-filled family event, and I'd love to see you all there!

If you are unable to walk, but would like to donate, you can do that too by clicking on "Donate to Team" in the blue box.

Here are just a few of the pictures from last year:








I sure hope you can join us, it's going to be a great time!

Be a part of Traci's Troops! and support Multiple Sclerosis!


Monday, March 8, 2010

It's MS Awareness Week!

and I'd love for YOU to join my team!

Sunday, September 12 @ Junction City in Peoria. Click here to register and join Traci's Troops!



Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Save the date!


I know it's a little early, but I wanted to make sure that you get this on your calendar. The MS Walk 2010 will be on Sunday, September 12. So mark it down...highlight it in orange and lets get ready for another fun year!

I think it will be a great kick-off for those of us living in The Pumpkin Capital of the World! The P-fest is September 15-18 this year and with the walk being on the 12th, we will get a head start by getting all decked out in orange. What a way to get into the spirit!

Remember, there is no fee to walk and it's a great family-fun-filled day. We had a *HUGE* turnout last year, and I'd love to have all of you and more this year!

So mark your calendars and save the date, and go ORANGE!

Friday, February 12, 2010

One year!

A year ago today, I posted this request for you to pray. YOU did! And I am so thankful! Then I posted this explaining what was going on....I have to say that I honestly never saw it coming...who ever does really? We tend to think nothing bad is ever going to happen to us.

I've learned so much in this past year, and I know that God puts these challenges in our lives for a reason. I've learned that I have to listen to my body. That's a hard thing for this "I-love-my-routine" girl. Sometimes I have to just slow down, take a rest and refocus on what is really important. Fatigue is the worst complication I've had so far. And that is something I can deal with.

Back in June, I started a treatment program. The medicine is basically to keep the MS from progressing as fast. It's not a guarantee and honestly, the doctors don't really know if it will work...but I feel like I at least have to give it a go. So I do a daily injection...remember my friend, Polly...she and I have become the best of friends. The injections aren't too bad. Most of the time, I swell up a little at the injection site...followed by a bruise and/or lump...but nothing a long sleeve shirt can't hide. I keep telling my friend Laura who has some pretty amazing artwork on her arms that I might need to think about getting a tattoo....just to hide the bruising.

There will always be hurdles to face and struggles to overcome. There will be rough days, when I have to rely on others to help me through....but I'm not going to sit around and wait for those days to come. I'm going to enjoy the everyday, great days that are here now!

I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful, supportive family and group of friends. People who check in on me, friends who make sure I'm not overdoing it, and most importantly a husband who is by my side every moment of the way.

God has blessed me more than I could ever imagine. I am so thankful for all the challenges He sends my way. For in those challenges, I grow closer to Him and that is the greatest gift.




Thursday, December 31, 2009

Goodbye 2009!

2009 brought a life changing event in my life....

And in 2010 I'm not going to let MS get in the way of anything I want to do!


how's that for a New Year's resolution!