Defeat MSA: Honoring Sue
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Help us continue to celebrate the life of our beautiful mother, Sue. As this August marks the five-year anniversary of her passing, we are hoping to raise $5,000 for The Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) Coalition in her honor.
About MSA
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease. Often related to ALS and Parkinson's, it's something in between. It affects the body's automatic functions (digestion, heart function, etc.) and ultimately leads to death. The average survival rate is seven to eight years--but due to its rarity, can be extremely difficult to diagnose.
Physically, MSA manifests in a variety of ways. Balance and coordination become compromised, leading to frequent falls and difficulties with mobility. Simple tasks like walking, standing, or even sitting can become arduous challenges. The muscles may become rigid or weak, making movements painful and cumbersome. Tremors and muscle spasms can also occur, adding to the physical discomfort. As the disease advances, speech and swallowing difficulties may arise, affecting communication and daily nutrition.
Emotional well-being may be affected as individuals grapple with the frustration of losing control over their bodies and the fear of an uncertain future. As the disease progresses, depression and anxiety can become more pronounced, requiring both personal strength and a strong support system. The constant need for assistance and care can place emotional, physical, and financial strain on patients and families. Caregivers must navigate the evolving needs of their loved ones and the individual eventually need help with the simplest of tasks such as changing, bathing, going to the bathroom, and feeding themselves.
Those living with MSA are unimaginably brave. It requires an unwavering spirit, a strong support network, and a commitment to raising awareness and advancing research to ultimately find a cure for this debilitating condition.
About The MSA Coalition
The Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) Coalition is devoted to improving quality of life and building hope for people affected by multiple system atrophy through:
- Providing patients and care partners with trusted and compassionate emotional support.
- Educating patients, care partners, and healthcare professionals with credible, critically important, and relevant information.
- Building a sense of community by connecting and unifying people affected by MSA.
- Funding patient-centric collaborative research aimed at alleviating symptoms, slowing disease progression, and discovering a cure.
- Playing a leading role in raising awareness and advocating for those impacted by the disease.
Thank You
This past five years have been a little less bright without our mom here. But, like anyone who knew and loved our her, we have still been able to feel her with us in so many profound ways. Her legacy reminds us to be kind to others, to move our bodies, to eat the sweets, and be selflesss. During her last holiday season, she raised thousands of dollars to fight against this disease that was actively taking her life. So this feels like the best way to honor our gal, Sue.
Organizer
Colleen Fogerty
Organizer
Tacoma, WA