There is no other way to put it. Primary Progressive MS sucks.

Let’s not pretend there is anything to make it better; no amount of diet control, acupuncture, aromatherapy, reflexology, massage, or hypnotherapy will make my brother’s condition go away.

Ok, true – on some days these therapies might make him feel better but they are not going to erase the aggressive fatigue and all the other debilitating symptoms that keep my brother up at night, out of work, and in a wheelchair.

However, as of late, there has been some joyous news to share as there is a new addition to my brother’s household, and that addition is Kerwin.

Kerwin (no, not Kermit) is a gorgeous, golden, 2 year-old Labrador-cross. He has been carefully selected and trained to be my brother’s helper. After a live-in, two week training session, Steven and Kerwin have “graduated” and have now settled into my brother’s home.

So, if you can spare a bit of change on this sunny day, please do consider giving to my fundraising efforts. Your money won’t help my brother but will help the UK MS Society achieve their goals for 2015 – 2019. 

As my brother wrote to me recently:  I do wish so much that I could ride a bike! 

So thank you for your donations. Please keep them coming. I think of every £GBP I have to raise as I am battling traffic and panting up hills. 

Lastly, if you want to find out more about where Kerwin came from, please Google "Canine Companions for Independence".  Inspiring stuff.

KMagnuson, Tuesday, 19 May 2015

Where our fundraising story began:

Yup, this time it's personal.

I'm raising money for MS research by partaking in the 100 mile London - Surrey Prudential Ride, August 1st.

I'm not partaking  just to get my 40ish-something bottom into gear nor to amuse everyone by how sweaty and bright red I turn when I exercise; equally, it's not so that I lose breathe when a hill goes on for just a little bit too long or in order to burn off those excess calories from one to many biscuits during a brainstorming meeting (though, admittedly, this would be an extra, welcome bonus).

I'm doing it for my bro Steven. My 41 year old brother who is more than his crappy Primary Progressive MS (PPMS). He's my loving yet difficult, intelligent, yet mind-blowing idiotic at times, funny yet frustrating brother. In other words, he's human.  And I admire everything about my bro and everything he has achieved so far in his life. 

So, because he can't cycle 100 miles (and, if I was being a competitive sister, I would say that he never could! :)), I'm doing this because I think I can.  

In best Wisconsin parlance - "I'm here for you, buddy".

And, for reassurance, here is the MS /  Just giving blurb:

Thanks for helping me in achieving my goal of raising money for MS research.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So - get out your wallets.  Open your purse. Raid the piggy bank and hand over your handbag. If everyone I know gave £5, I'd be over my target. Thank you!