In 2017, our founder, Alicia Amos, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis while serving in the United States Air Force. Initially, the situation was up and down as she experienced a multitude of symptoms for months leading up to her diagnosis.  However, after learning about her condition the whirlwind of information and changes began leveling out in 2020 and her sister commenced to planning the first annual brunch and 1-mile walk, “A Walk in Her Shoes.” In 2022, Alicia started to become very ill; she was in and out of the hospital several times a month with extreme pain and unknown infections. Her extremities were going completely numb and becoming inoperable. She was astonished by the things happening to her and thought there was no way that this could be.  Although taken aback by these alarming warning signs she knew that she didn’t want it to be this way, so she did what was familiar which was to keep moving. That, however, wasn’t enough this time, Alicia needed to slow down, and her body chose that for her. Ultimately, she was hospitalized in November of 2022 with a severe case of covid on top of the MS symptoms. Although receiving support from her husband, sister, and best friend the situation had become dire and finally she could not move. The staff had begun planning for her to live in an inpatient care facility.  She felt defeated and had so much as given up; everyday was harder and harder and she feared this would be the end of her story. Until one gloomy day while staring out of the window from her bed she felt a sense of calm and peace and heard the voice of God say “No, this is not the end”! Against medical advice, she opted out of going to a facility and instead to return home. With her family by her side, she gained the strength that she needed to leave the hospital. Nevertheless, the same fight she always had was there waiting for her; this time, from the beginning…she had to start over. Initially she struggled with familiar tasks such as bathing or opening the freezer door but chose to rehabilitate by changing her pace and moving at a new, more informed speed. In conjunction with the Moving with MS Foundation, Alicia is committed to providing support to those impacted by this disease.