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Talking with Johanna DiFabio

Written by on Jun 4, 2012
MS Challenge Talk

Johanna Hising DiFabioWelcome to MS Challenge Talk, a weekly audio recording that introduces you to the people and stories behind MS Challenge Walk.

This week, host Ken Gagne speaks with Johanna Hising DiFabio. After being diagnosed with MS, Johanna fought back by signing up for Boston Walk MS. Having walked those three miles, she and her team decided to "kick it up a notch" and tackle MS Challenge Walk. With the minimum fundraising going from $25 to $1,500, Johanna learned to be persistent with her efforts, sharing her personal story and asking for support not just once but many times.

Resources that Johanna recommends include the IcyHot Naturals rub, as well as the Boundless Fundraising application for Facebook. To install, go to your Participant Center and click the "Fundraise with Facebook" button.

And while you're on Facebook, please help answer this first-year walker's questions about proper training and gear!

Podcast: Download (Duration: 27:58 — 13.9MB) | Embed

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Welcome to MS Challenge Talk, a weekly audio recording that shares the stories and experiences of veterans of those who have walked three days and 50 miles to bring the world closer to a cure for multiple sclerosis, courtesy the National MS Society's MS Challenge Walk. You can subscribe to the show for free in Apple iTunes!

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Pain, pain, go away

Written by on Aug 30, 2010
Jacqueline

If you experience any pain along the MS Challenge Walk, the medical tents at each rest stop and at the Sea Camps can offer non-prescription painkillers to help relieve what ails you. Whether you're asking us to distribute this medication to you or you've brought your own, be careful with your choice of pain relievers and how much you take. Too much Tylenol (acetomenophin) can cause liver damage, too much Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen sodium) can lead to kidney damage and bleeding, and too much aspirin can cause bleeding problems. Try alternating pain relievers so that your body doesn't develop an immunity to any one. The recommend dosage for adults varies; follow the directions on the bottle.

Jacqui is a registered nurse working in home dialysis, living in Denver, Colorado. Born and rasied in Gray, Maine, Jacqui was diagnosed with MS in 2003 and has been participating in the MS Challenge Walk since 2007. This year is the first time she's had her own team, Whittaker's Warriors.

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What to expect at the medical tents

Written by on Aug 9, 2010
Jacqueline

I have had the opportunity to experience the medical tents both as a walker and as a nurse. The medical crew is available for everything you may need as a walker or as a crew member. As a walker you may develop sore, blistered feet; the crew will mend you with ointments, bandages, gauze, and advice. You may develop sore or swollen joints; the crew will ice and wrap you up! Maybe you will suffer a bit of dehydration or heat exhaustion. They will cool you down and nourish you with fluids. Aches and pains? A little Tylenol or Advil will do!

The main medical tent is available at the Sea Camps from 6 AM until the last patient leaves, and each rest stop has a medical station with nearly everything you might need on your two-day, 30-mile journey. Should the need arise for more intensive medical treatment, the crew will stabilize you until more advanced care arrives.

As a walker my first year, I was treated with TLC, and I saw all walkers treated that way. As a nurse on medical crew my second year, I treated everyone with the same TLC! But no matter how well you're treated, the best care is preventive. Over the next few Mondays, I'll give some medical advice that you can use to take care of yourself and avoid any medical emergencies. Stay tuned!

Jacqui is a registered nurse working in home dialysis, living in Denver, Colorado. Born and rasied in Gray, Maine, Jacqui was diagnosed with MS in 2003 and has been participating in the MS Challenge Walk since 2007. This year is the first time she's had her own team, Whittaker's Warriors.

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