Hope and Comfort

 

My walk for MS was a blessing and challenge in SO MANY way! I was constantly amazed at the number of new names I would gather, to add to my walking shirt, and the stories behind those names. The original plan was to travel to San Diego and join a group of other walkers for a 3 Day 50 Mile trek in the sunshine, with ocean breezes. But after the past 2 years of Covid and rise of costs, I made the decision to stay in Montana and do my 50 miles here.  

In the midst of training I injured my knee, requiring some physical therapy and changes in plans. Sometimes the bumps in the road demand alternatives to the route! Many times it is in the detours that the best route is actually found, with new friends gained along the way!! That proved to be the case in the new plans began to come to view.

 I decided that instead of one fifty mile route I would do 5 ten mile walks, in different areas of our valley, giving an opportunity to bring awareness to more people.  What an adventure that proved to be!! I had committed to myself, that one of the walks would  be in Whitefish, MT. 

The San Diego walk was to take place the first week of November and my plan was to continue to walk thru October. 

Toward the end of September, I learned my oldest sister was in Hospice care. She would soon join my Mother and another sister,  both whom had lost their memories and lives to Alziehmers. Almost, immediately, upon hearing that her battle was ending, an opportunity to Walk a 100 Miles, in October for Dementia. My heart needed this walk.  The one community that I hadn't covered yet was Whitefish, so I made that my last walk for MS. (I was asked why I felt I needed to walk Whitefish? No one else knew of that commitment. My answer, "Because, the most important promises are sometimes the ones you have made to yourself")  I was blessed beyond measure, as I met new friends, collected some last donations gathered a couple new names and in my heart, walked over the finish line. I felt like I had kept my commitment and with the generosity of so many friends, family and strangers we had gone above the $2500 goal.

The final donations brought the MS Walk total to $3563!! 

My sister passed, on October 22, 2022. 

On October 3, after completing the MS Walk I switched my focus and completed the 100 miles in her honor.

Looking back on my past history it is interesting to find that walking has become my way of bringing HOPE to others and peace and joy to my soul. At the moment I have no plans for 2023.....

Another week is under way and my first training walk of the week is DONE!! It is always a bonus when my husband joins me and we take the dog for a bit of fresh air and some miles on the road!

It was a busy weekend as I created my first walking shirt and some cards for special communication about the walk!! Even though the event is several months away, the urgency to "Get things going!" is real. The number of names for the shirt is increasing almost every day, which cements my commitment to each step!                                                                                                                                                              The need for research and answers for those dealing with MS is very real. Life has given me an opportunity to make a small difference in the life of another.  I invite you to join me, and together we can bring HOPE to many others! 

As a reminder, my commitment is to walk 50 Miles in 3 Days. With the help of many others, like you, together we will raise $2500 for MS research. I will walk each mile as a thank you for your support and as a promise of HOPE to those struggling with MS. 

Keep in touch as fundraising opportunities arise!! Contact me with your ideas and together we will make this a project of HOPE!!  

 

    

MS CHALLENGE

 BRINGING HOPE WITH EVERY MILE!!

With this latest commitment  comes a whole new spectrum of ideas and challenges! 

It has been four years since my last walk. The past three walks were for Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer  is talked about often, and freely. Because awareness was already out there my approach to fundraising was totally different than where I find myself headed with this MS Challenge!!

As my brain gets 'in step' with my body, the training and 'work' ahead is driving my excitement and goals  in a totally different direction. Although the short term goal will always be to see the $2500 donation for MS research completed, and my fulfillment of my commitment to walk 50 MILES IN 3 DAYS. The thought I find popping up as #1 on my list of things to come, is bringing AWARENESS and getting YOU as excited and determined as I am to see an end to this horrible disease!

It seems every time I share my commitment, I hear, "I have a friend or family member...." who is dealing with MS. Then their story comes, another name is added to my list, and my commitment grows a little stronger!! 

Immediately following my announcement with plans to do this walk two young women with small businesses offered to do fundraisers!! How cool is that?

 Another FUN and exciting way of welcoming you, your friends and family to become involved would be some neighborhood walks, with small donations, which would go directly to MS Research. (All donations are tax deductible!)

 I am planning the first community walk in MY neighborhood in honor of my Granddaughter, Sasha, but would love to plan one with you!! (Your neighborhood or mine!) Let's honor and show those we love that they are not alone!!! 

Watch for the first walk to come and contact me with YOUR area!!

Contact me with the name of that special person you would like me to walk with!!

Plan to join with me on this mission to "BRING HOPE WITH EVERY MILE" Check out my link below:

https://mssociety.donordrive.com/participant/Laura-Moody

MS= A disease in which the immune system eats away at the protective covering of the nerves, resulting nerve damage that disrupts communication between the brain and the body.

MS, WALKING, CHALLENGE, DONATIONS, RESEARCH

 

MS Challenge

Greetings again from this Montana Wife, Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma!! 

It has been 3 years since I set at the computer with my blog open and my fingers ready to put on this page my thoughts and goals.

My life has been sprinkled with challenges and choices. Some of those have been life changing.  

As a teenager I had both legs broken in a car accident and was through the years, given a list of "you will never..." Later I experienced the life changing diagnosis of breast cancer. That "C" word changes life forever!! Many of those "you will never..." became "Oh, yes, I will!!" 

I have spent hours walking hundreds of miles with  the goal of bringing hope to those dealing with breast cancer. I began the walks after my own diagnosis as a way of celebrating both life and the ability to take those steps! The people I met, and the stories they shared fanned a fire deep within my heart and will live with me all my life!!

My Mom and both of my sisters have been diagnosed with Alziemers. Mom passed away 30 years ago, and at that time it was accepted as an old persons disease. My oldest sister lives in a memory center in Oregon. It was after the death of my other sister, from Louie Body Dementia, I committed to working with the Alziemers Association. I have taken on-line classes to better understand this horrible disease and the many forms it takes, to rob families of loved ones. If you are reading this as someone who is concerned about changes in your life, living with someone who you are concerned about, a caregiver, or a patient. Know that there is a 24 hour hot line you can call and there will be someone on the other end of that line who will not only listen but understand.  Call 24/7  800-272-3900

 The reason that has brought me back to this blog is our Granddaughter, Sasha Moody. Three years ago she was diagnosed with MS. Life has changed for her. There is so much to be learned and changes to be made. In 'walked' my latest goal. An add for the MS Challenge Walk popped up on my phone! November 3-6 in San Diego. 3 Days 50 Miles to see an end to MS. Each walker is ask to raise $2500, with that money going toward research. Once again I will walk the miles, as I count on you to help me reach the financial goal. (All donations are tax deductible)

It is my goal to make this a Fun and Educational experience for all of us!!  Keep an eye open for opportunities to join in the fundraising and learning  :) Message me any names of MS fighters that I can take with me on my walks!! 

 Check out my page and join my team!!!     

      https://mssociety.donordrive.com/participant/Laura-Moody

A New Passion

I was almost surprised to find that my blog was still waiting for me. It has been several months since I have set down, opened this page, taken a breath and told myself, "WRITE."
Life has taken some twists and turns since my last visit and my focus and life goals have changed. Yes, I found that I can still find new passions as a Grandma and now Great Grandma in my 70's.

When last I shared I was walking for miles and training for the "3 Day 60 Mile" walk for breast cancer. The walk had proven to be the vehicle I could use to share my gratitude for both LIFE and the gift of WALKING.  (after having both legs broken as a teenager and later the diagnosis of breast cancer) Just 2 days before I was to check in for my walk in 2018 my sister died of "Louie Body Dementia".
As I spent that week sitting by her bedside, sharing those last days and hours with she and  her children I knew in my heart my focus and passion were changed forever. Her death was not the first time my life had been touched by this thief of life and memories. Some 30 years previous my Mom had died when we still thought of it as the disease of old people, and my oldest sister was robbed of her independence and and memories several years ago. She is living in a Memory Care facility at the present.
With my children, grandchildren and great-grands in mind, I knew I owed it to them; and in honor of my Mom and sisters to learn all I can and work to bring an end to this disease. No, I do not dwell on the history this thief shares in my life. I DO wake each morning thankful for my memories and determined to not let the fear that accompanies this disease win but instead seeking wisdom in how my lifestyle and habits could effect my health.

The very weekend I returned to Montana the "Walk to End Alzheimer's" was scheduled! Joined by my husband we made the walk, I met up with the Montana State leaders of the Alzhiemer's Organization, and made my commitment to become involved. The rest is history as they say....

It is with a heart filled with gratitude that I invite you to join me in my journey to learn and share in blogs to follow some of knowledge I gain, people I meet and HOPE that is available for those of us who deal with the 'worry of days to come' or those who have begun their walk as caregiver. My goal?? To let you know you are NOT ALONE and share some smiles and virtual hugs along the way!

Sharing Hope and Saving Memories
Grandma M

Hate becomes HOPE

Have I ever mentioned that I HATE cancer ?? Hate is a word I seldom use...but this week cancer has stirred that emotion within me.  Neuoblastoma a childhood cancer, took the last breath of a beautiful young girl whose life has touched the hearts of thousands of strangers, friends and family alike. After seeking the latest treatment available from the best cancer facilities in our nation the reality is "THE NEEDED" treatment has not yet been developed.I have talked to numerous women who have dealt with breast cancer, a nieghbor whose sister died of pancreatic cancer a friend who lost her husband to lung cancer..and the list goes on.

HATE is a powerful word.."to feel INTENSE, or PASSIONATE DISLIKE"
I hesitate to use the word because in our world today we see that emotion pointed from one human to another. The hate speech of one group against another is all to prevalent. Respect and Kindness seem to be traits that have been lost to many. Yet, I can write to you without any qualms that I HATE this disease that steals the lives of so many, way to early!

Having acknowledged that INTENSE emotion boiling within me, it then becomes my responsibility to deal with it. Sitting and allowing my anger and sadness to rule is of no help to anyone, especially me. So what do I do with that emotion?? I CHOOSE TO WALK!! I am not a doctor or a scientist.  I don't have the knowledge or ability to work within a hospital or lab to "find the cure". But I CAN walk. The 3Day Walk is a walk for breast cancer, but I walk with the hope that all research will have benefits for many cancers!

I know that I have shared with you many times that the reason I do the 3Day  is to show Thanksgiving for Life and the ability to walk.  It is a way for me to "Pay it Forward"  for the blessings and health I have today. To be a part of  bringing HOPE to others. That HOPE comes in the form of research which is made possible by the monies raised as thousands of people WALK; for thousands of others who DONATE. Together we become a team and the HATE can be replaced with HOPE. Respect for one another and Kindness to each other seems to find their way past religious or political differences as we work for a common goal. A "LIFETIME" for everyone. There is no room for hate of one another as we realize that this disease isn't discriminatory but could strike your family as well as mine.

One of the questions I hear often is, "What gives you the motivation to walk those hundreds of training miles?" Well, the answer is simple. Each year as I begin this journey and I listen to neighbors, friends, family and strangers share their stories , I know we need  research to find that CURE. The donations made to support the miles walked by thousands of participants make that research a reality.

I choose to channel the HATE I feel for cancer into "MILES OF HOPE" !!

Wanta join me?? Check out my web page: I'll walk the miles as you donate your dollars for those miles and together we WILL make a difference! 
Please leave me a comment with your story:)

Walking Strong Because Everyone Deserves a Lifetime

Miles of Hope

















3Day Walk

2018 WALK FOR HOPE

2018 WALK FOR HOPE

WHEN I DID MY FIRST WALK IN 2013 I CHALLENGED MYSELF
TO DO DO THIS AGAIN IN MY 70TH YEAR. WHY?,YOU MIGHT
ASK. I DON'T REALLY KNOW OTHER THAN IT SOUNDED LIKE A
GOOD CHALLENGE ( AND 70 PROBABLY SOUNDED REALLY OLD
AT THAT TIME) BUT, IF YOU KNOW ME AT ALL "I AM ALWAYS
UP FOR A CHALLENGE."THE MAGIC DAY HAS COME AND GONE,
THE WALKING SHOES ARE ON, THE FITBIT IS CHARGED AND
THE TRAILS AWAIT!"

Why do I walk the 3Day? I walk it in honor of the 400 names I now carry
on my Tutu and for the new names I will obtain in my training this year.
Men,women and children who have been affected by the monster we call
cancer.The challenge is real. 60 miles is a long walk and the hours required
to train are many. It is a commitment I don't make lightly because once the
commitment is made the entire 60 miles becomes the goal. NO SHORTCUTS,
as those I honor, who fight this monster, are required to endure every hour of
treatment. So, in good health, I will walk strong in their honor.There are many
who do this walk and are not physically able to complete the full 60 miles.
They are on the trail, the research money has been raised (each participant
is required to raise $2300) and their commitment to that ultimate goal is no
different than mine. It's not a race, it is not a "contest" it IS hundreds of
participants with the same goal.

My reward comes in the name of HOPE. The HOPE that comes from each
research breakthrough from the monies donated. The HOPE I see in the eyes
of those who share their stories trusting that I care,and that each mile I walk
is in their honor of the friend or lovedone whose story they shared.
Today I carried my first new name home. It is always a humbling experience
as I acknowledge that the person I'm walking away from has opened his/her
heart and entrusted me with a story they hold dear.
When my phone 'pings' with the announcement "A Donation has been made"
no matter how large or small, my heart smiles, my steps seem lighter and I
uttera prayer of thanksgiving.for those who will be blessed by it. It never gets
old,routine or mundane.

It has been a couple of years since I 'hit the trail' and there have been several
times that I have doubted that I would be able to accept that challenge due to health issues. In December we came to Arizona to take advantage of the sunshine and stay active. After joining the Walkers of Palm Gardens for a couple desert walks, my husband, and most ardent supporter said, "I think you could do the 3Day again" Unknown to him I had made that same decision. (I love it when we think alike!)

I made the call, registration has been paid and the excitement of a new adventure stirs within me. I invite you to share your story and a name for the Tutu!! (No donation required) and as always you may join me as a 'Vessel of Hope" by making a donation on the link below.
www.the3day.org/goto/lauramoody

Walking Strong because EVERYONE DESERVES A LIFETIME