Morning T and Slicers,
I’m still up before sun rise, still writing with a cup of coffee and 1/2 an English muffin but in a hour I’ll out the door and on my way to New York City to cheer on my niece, Leigh on as she climbs the 66 flights to reach the Top of the Rock, an annual MS event that Leigh has made her own for the last 4 years after she was diagnosed with MS just two weeks after she turned 25 .
I’m remembering the call from my brother Rick, as he was learning more and more from doctors as the tests were learning to the MS diagnosis. I remember driving to their house with you, Tuvia, sitting with the family, just being there. You of course, were helpful, adding more medical insights.
But Leigh is not someone to allow anyone to feel sorry for her; she’s not someone to take to the couch. Instead, she continued on as a physical therapist to support her patients and in her down time become an MS activist.
Now in her 4th year with this the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, she has raised more than $22265 with her Team Kapnis and even though I won’t be climbing along side her, I’ll be there to cheer and applaud her efforts. My mom would have been so proud of her.
Two years ago, I tried climbing. I pushed myself up 33 floors but my body stopped me. When you took one look at me you made me promise that I would never this try again, just one look at me and you were clear that my body was telling me something important. In all things I loved you but when it came to medical issues, there you were the last word. So yes, I will never try the climb. But when Leigh puts out the call for donations and support, I’m there.
Here’s a great video of her MS journey.
Bonnie S.
Your niece is amazing! She must be an inspiration to those she works with. What an amazing feat to accomplish every year!
I can’t imagine doing a climb like that. 33 floors in a lot, even if you didn’t make it all the way up. MS is very common in my neighbourhood. I’m always trying to learn more about prevention. I appreciate the people who raise SO MUCH money for research.