As we get older, we tend to acculumate more "stuff". Rarely is there anything left that we truly need. When you're walking for the MS Challenge Walk, just being able to put one foot in front of the other is a gift. It's one we want to give to those with multiple sclerosis — so for your own birthday, why not ask for that?
The best gift brings us closer to a world free from MS.
If you have a reason to celebrate this summer (or anytime, really), save your friends and family the trouble of hours of shopping for "just the right thing" that will inevitably end up being a book you won't read, a gift certificate to an unhealthy restaurant, or a knick-knack that would look just horrible in your apartment. Instead, explain to them how much this cause means to you, and that a donation to the NMSS in your name would be a far greater honor than any birthday gift you could ever ask for. Chances are your loved ones may initially be taken aback at how "impersonal" this donation is, but once they see your sincerity and earnestness and the vigor with which you are tackling the cause yourself, they'll understand that their donation is the best way to contribute to an important part of your life.
I've found the best way to celebrate my existence on this planet is to know it's helping someone else. I've been asking for non-profit donations every Christmas for the last six years, and far more good has come of it than if I'd received ugly sweaters instead.
Can't you feel the warm fuzzies already?
Ken joined the MS Challenge Walk in 2005, more than a decade after his mother was diagnosed. After walking for three years and 150 miles, he switched to the support crew and now rides his bicycle along the trail, providing whatever encouragement (and snacks!) he can to the 600 walkers. He is also an alumnus of the event's steering committee and is this site's webmaster.
