Holly Rutter

In the Spring of 2016 I experienced paralysis, extreme fatigue, dizziness and tingling pain throughout my body. Numerous scans and tests found that things looked normal and it was hard to figure out what the issue was. However, after two MRI scans they were able to narrow in that my symptoms and lesions that had formed in my spinal cord and brain pointed to a possible diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.  

At the time I was told this news, we also recently found out I was newly pregnant. It's hard to even explain and still think back to how we processed all of the unknowns and information that was heading our way. 

After a healthy and safe pregnancy, we welcomed our son six weeks early in January 2017. Months after this doctors were able to confirm my diagnosis - RRMS: Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. From here treatments, lifestyle changes and the journey to accepting this new chapter began. 

6 years later I can happily say that I'm stronger emotionally and physically than where I was when first diagnosed. It's been an incredibly difficult journey, but know because of my faith in God, His plans for my family and me and many of YOU supporting us; I wouldn't be where I am today. 

In 2021 there were changes in lesions so I began a new form of treatment that is more aggressive. Currently I receive intravenous therapy treatment every 28 day from my clinician team. So far it seems to be working just how they've hoped it would! 

Now with my sister also on her own MS journey, I want to keep fighting and grow our Walk MS group of support. Feeling the presence of those that love and support us both near and far is what helps on the hardest days - and this event helps fuel progress toward a world free of this disease. 

Thank you for your consideration in supporting financially and rallying both near and far around our family in our fight with Multiple sclerosis (MS). 

My husband Zeb joining me for an infusion appointment; which also happened to be our 10 year wedding anniversary. 

Unsure of what MS is? 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. MS is different for everyone, and that makes it all the more challenging to solve. The first Walk MS event was in 1988, and since then more than $920 million has been raised for research and programs to improve the lives of people living with MS. Today, there are treatments where there weren't any before, and the dream of ending MS is becoming a reality.