As a recovering perfectionist of nearly 35 years, I’ve become an expert at avoiding things I’m not inherently good at. The thought of being mediocre, or, heaven forbid, falling flat on my face in failure has managed to keep me a safe distance from all sorts of risks and experiences in my life. So, when a friend extended the invitation to join Team Endurance and raise funds for MS research while training for a triathlon, every perfectionistic particle in my being squirmed in discomfort. My mind immediately raced with all the reasons the idea was absolutely absurd. First on that list is that I am most definitely not an athlete, let alone a triathlete! Surprisingly, though, the more I thought about it in the days that followed, the more I heard an inner voice convincing me that maybe it wasn’t so crazy after all. With the mental pep talk in my head getting louder, I finally decided it was time to take a giant leap out of my comfort zone to become an official member of Team Endurance.

Not only does joining with Team Endurance give me the motivation to work on some long overdue self-improvement, it also gives me the platform to support a cause that is close to my heart. Over 15 years ago, my dad received the life-altering news that he has Multiple Sclerosis.  Although he’s incredibly fortunate to have been diagnosed later in life, and still manages to amaze me by being the hardest worker I’ve ever known, it’s been difficult for our family to watch him gradually lose some of the physical strength and aptitudes that have always been among his most defining characteristics. The most inspiring thing for me though, is that what he has lost in physical strength and endurance he has more than made up for in a strengthened and refined character.

Watching my dad’s journey also helped prepare me for some of the surprising twists and turns my own life has taken. Four years ago, my husband and I got the shocking news that our little family of three would be doubling in size with the addition of triplets. Coming from a large family, I had always hoped to have a few children of my own, but never in my wildest dreams could I have pictured that I would one day become the mother of four boys in just two short years! Of course, now we can’t imagine our lives without each of our boys’ vivacious personalities, and the memories we’re making and character we’re hopefully developing along the way is something we wouldn’t trade for world. Our experience, along with my dad’s, has shown me that some of life’s greatest opportunities for growth come ­­­­­­­­as we don’t back away from the unexpected challenges life puts in our path, but instead tackle them head on and discover an inner strength we didn’t know we had.

So, I dedicate my first triathlon to the men in my life (both big and little) who are teaching me each day that embracing a life of happiness, success, and purpose is so much more meaningful than sitting safely on the sidelines afraid of not being the best one on the field. If you’d like to encourage me in my journey, please read on to learn more about how you can support the Rampy MS Research Foundation.

Support the 2016 Team Endurance for MS
People with MS endure and encourage us onward, despite circumstances. It is our aim that we capture that spirit and share the encouragement forward through participating in endurance events. No matter what brings us to the starting line, we cheer each other to the finish line - in sport, in health and in life.

How It Works
Team Endurance for MS is an endurance sports team organized by the Rampy MS Research Foundation. Together with 50+ other athletes dedicated to this effort, we aim to raise over $30,000 this year for MS research. We call it fundracin' and you can help.

What You Can Do

• Donate. Encourage us on with whatever you feel called to give. Consider giving a $1 for every mile I'll complete.
• Share. Read our stories and tell your friends and family about our effort by posting them to Facebook and Twitter.
• Join my fundraiser. Click "create your own fundraiser" and join my fundraising team or create your own fundrace.  

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Train. Race. Give.

How can you use what you do to encourage the world of MS and beyond? Learn how you can get involved.

Know the Numbers

• MS is most commonly diagnosed in young adults.
• 80% of MS patients develop MS between the ages of 16 and 45.
• Women are more frequently diagnosed with MS by at least 2 to 1.
• MS is the leading cause of disability in young women and the second leading cause of disability in young men.
• About 350,000 people live with MS in the United States. 200 new patients are diagnosed, every week. If each person diagnosed has just one family member, friend or caregiver, that's 700,000 people impacted.

About MS
MS is a progressive and unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that disrupts communication between the brain and other parts of the body. The severity of the disease and its symptoms vary from person to person. The cause is unknown. There is no known cure--yet.

About the Rampy MS Research Foundation
We bring encouragement to the world of MS and beyond through the power of endurance sports, community and research. You can help. Join us and help change lives to save lives.

Swim. Bike. Run. Encourage!