Disease broke my body – not my spirit

Your pledge helps Robyn keep fighting in St. Charles, and wherever life takes her

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Name: Robyn

Resident of St. Charles

Agency: National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Gateway Area Chapter

Life challenge: In May 1999, at age 40, Robyn received shocking news – she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The disease was affecting her memory and her thinking, and was threatening to turn her life upside down. Her job, her relationship and her health were all in jeopardy.

“I had always been the star employee, always had excelled, always was the go-to person,” she said. “And it was killing me that I wasn’t that person anymore.”

Robyn eventually decided to retire. But she wasn’t giving in.

How United Way helped: As soon as she received her diagnosis, Robyn called the Multiple Sclerosis Society, a United Way agency, and got in touch with the helpline. Talking with a representative and asking question after question calmed her and gave her hope.

“I just knew there was life after being diagnosed with MS,” she said.

Robyn draws on the MS Society for encouragement, support and information. With the MS Society’s help, she is staying strong.

“There are so many organizations that the United Way helps,” Robyn said. “I can’t imagine what I would have done if the MS Society didn’t exist.”

Good news result: Robyn is a fighter. Though MS is now an inescapable part of her life, she doesn’t let it get the better of her. She is an active and vibrant woman fighting a battle that she knows will continue to be a challenge. But for now, she has the upper hand.

“Most people don’t know that I have MS,” she said. “The standard visual is that most people are in a wheelchair. I almost feel like I should have a t-shirt saying, ‘This is what MS looks like, too.’”

But Robyn still walks. And walks. And walks. She walks miles each week. She walks in the MS Challenge Walk – this year, she formed a team called the Go Go’s.

“I walk because I still can,” she said. “I walk for some of the other ladies who can no longer walk.”

Give today. Help today. By supporting the United Way, you’re giving someone like Robyn hope.