Sheri4MS

MS Advocate & Motivational Speaker

"I don't go FAST, just FAR with my  message of HOPE."  

Thanks for visiting the website of Sheri4MS.  My name is Sheri Paulson from Galesburg, North Dakota.  I was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting MS in April of 2001; I know firsthand how heartbreaking this news can be for a patient and their families. 

There is no cure for MS, however drug modifying therapies have been proven to reduce the progression of the disease.  My drug of choice is Avonex which I started in May of 2001.  In the past 9 years I have suffered 2 exacerbations (relapses in remission).

Sheri4MS was created in March of 2009 as a way for me to communicate with other MS patients and their families across the US.  To share my story, my hope and my mission of "Making MY mark against MS one step at a time".

In 2004 I realized how lucky and blessed I was, as my MS symptoms continued to be fairly mild.  In appreciation of that and as a thank you to my supportive family, friends and community, I wanted to give back.  Especially in my home state, where ND currently has the highest MS cases per capita.

This encouraged me to take my fitness to a new level and thus I began fundraising for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Band Against MS and other MS organizations.  I shocked myself by becoming a runner, tri-athlete and cyclist.  These are things I did not believe I could do healthy, let alone as someone with MS.  I utilized these events to share my message of hope with others, while raising awareness and funds for MS.  To date I have helped raise over $37,000 for MS organizations. 

I set a personal goal to do an MS event in all 50 states by the year 2020, whether this be a biking event, walk event or speaking engagement.  In the process I will continue fundraising for MS organizations, be a positive ambassador for the MS community and the State of ND while bringing us one step closer to finding a cure.  As of the end of 2009 I have 14 states completed.

In May of 2009 due to one of my MS lesions I developed another neurological condition called Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia.  This condition causes constant facial pain, blurred vision and puts me in excruciating pain when I try to read for extended periods of time or refocus my eye from object to object.  In December of 2009 I underwent a brain surgery to improve my quality of life; the surgery has helped to reduce my pain.

The pain of this condition and side effects from medications have added further stress on my body, making it difficult for me to manage my other MS symptoms of fatigue, insomnia, tremors, numbing, tingling, spasticity, bouts of vertigo, urinary frequency, anxiety & depression.

This required “early retirement” from my accounting career.  However I have learned that I am no longer defined by my 8 to 5 job.  I know that God has a plan for me, this pain and suffering, has inspired me even more to continue my efforts as a Motivational Speaker and MS Advocate bringing awareness for MS.  I have learned by reaching out to help others, my life is given fulfillment and purpose. 

My riding miles may be limited to a few, devices may needed for riding and walking, chauffeurs may be needed to get me to events, and frequent rest periods will be a must.  But no matter what I will keep fighting to make a difference.

If you would like to help me make a difference consider:

*  Having me speak for your church, group or organization.

    ** Transportation and lodging (if applicable) required.

    ** I don't accept speaking fees, but appreciate donations made on my behalf to one of my MS Charities.

*  Host me to come to an MS event in your state, assisting with my 50 state mission.

    **  Sponsorship and or donations for transportation, lodging & equipment (bike events).

*  Donate to one of my MS Charities on my behalf - See "Donate Link" for details.

*  Join one of my teams at an MS event, contact me for details.

No personal profit will be gained on my behalf, 100% of proceeds go to MS Charities.

Please contact me if you have any questions, would like me to speak, or attend an event in your state.  Thank you for your love, support, encouragements and prayers, it is greatly appreciated! 

Thanks - Sheri Paulson

Sheri4MS