AUTUMNS MS JOURNEY

My name is Autumn Neugent. I've been urged by several to start this campaign to assist with everyday expenses, home modification, medical expenses... And pretty much all of the compounded expenses associated with having a chronic disease, I was diagnosed with MS November 19th 2009. MS has really made everyday life a challenge. I worked full time until the end of January, 2016, taking a 6 week leave to try to get a handle on my ever changing physical and cognitive challenges. I returned for a week in March, but, my body did not cooperate, forcing me to leave again, permanently. I've been fighting to get the short term disability insurance benefits that I was expecting to have kick in 7 days after my first leave... That's yet to happen. And will only cover 9 weeks. I will then start my journey to either collect long term disability or SSDI. A bit more about myself:I am the incredibly proud mother of a 17 year old! She is my everything!!! She's been a rock through this entire journey. Although I try hard not to let this disease effect her life, it is out of my control. From being unable to work to struggling to provide the everyday things we all take for granted ( cooking, cleaning, rides, physical evolvement, etc. I've always identified as an athlete. MS has tried very hard to slow me down, I still participate in adapted activities, such as the UW adapted fitness program, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, waterskiing, swimming, rock climbing and any other activity I can find that has been/could be adapted to suit my needs. I spent years coaching softball for teams my daughter played on. I have since given this up due to 1. Intolerance to heat. 2. Increasing physical and cognitive challenge and 3. My daughters desire to play in a more competitive program with college recruiting opportunities. My goals are to retain my independence. This means keeping my home( and paying associated bills) making any modifications to my home that support my independence, etc. unfortunately, having a chronic disease, is very expensive. In example; Yes, health ins. Helps, but, I am currently paying over $700/ month in premium, until I qualify for another option. I then have co-pays outside of that. I must carry a high deductible on my auto insurance, to help offset the premium for my adapted vehicle, worth over $70,000.00. I was recently in an auto accident where I needed to rent an accessible vehicle. Those run $85/day, with my ins. Covering $20/day. ( yes, I could CHOOSE to pay a higher premium to cover more, as I am forced to rent a more expensive vehicle to suit my NEEDS, not my wants... But, we all have to make decision based on what we can afford.) being unable to prepare meals forces us to purchase convenience foods, on a regular basis... From pre - prepared to meals to pre - prepared ingredients, etc. I've been an avid fundraiser for the national MS society, since my diagnosis. Raising an annual average of $5000. 00 I've always been comfortable raising funds and awareness for others... And not paying attention to my own needs. I've come to a point where that has to change...If you are able to help, monetarily, that's fantastic! I also believe that sharing is priceless!!! It not only allows others, who may be more able to contribute financially, an opportunity. It also promotes awareness!! Awareness is very important to me!!!I've been quite wordy, thank you for reading this! But, if you have any questions, please, feel free to ask!!!Thank you, again for your time and support!