WALKMS

When

Saturday May 14th 2022

Registration begins at 8am

Walk begins at 9am

Where

Indiana University of South Bend

How to participate

Click the “Join the walk” button above, then click “join our team”

What is Walk MS?

Walk MS brings together passionate people from communities across the country to change the world for people affected by multiple sclerosis. The goal to drive progress to achieve our vision of a world free of MS. To date, Walk MS participants, volunteers and donors have raised over $1 billion to stop MS in its tracks, restore what’s been lost and end MS forever. Read on to learn Brian and Demetria’s Story

All proceeds from WalkMS Shirt are donated to WalkMS!

WODMS

When

Sunday May 15th 2022 @ 10am

Where

CrossFit South Bend

What is WODMS

A workout to support Demetria Smith’s fight against multiple sclerosis. The workout is designed to allow participants to experience some of Demetria’s struggles, gain a better awareness of multiple sclerosis, and help support the fundraising efforts of “Team Deme” for Walk MS South Bend 2021.

How to participate

Show up at CrossFit South Bend on Sunday May 15th @ 10am!

BRIAN AND DEMETRIA’S STORY

My primary job in life is providing care for my wife, Demetria. In 2006, Demetria was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. MS is an unpredictable and disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain as well as between the brain and the body. MS is different for everyone, making it challenging to solve. Most people diagnosed with MS have the relapsing remitting form, meaning they experience “attacks” or increased neurological symptoms that last for several days to several months, followed by periods of “remissions” where they partially or completely recover from their symptoms. Demetria deals with a rarer form called primary progressive MS. It’s different in that there are no attacks or remissions, rather the decline of the central nervous system is slow and steady. Unfortunately, there are no medications to reverse the neurological damage. Medications only offer the potential to slow disease progression.

Only a few years after her diagnosis, Demetria experienced a rapid and severe decline in her neurological system, developing very serious physical disabilities not typically associated with MS patients. By 2010, she developed a speech disorder, head tremors, severe muscle weakness in her legs, and ataxia in her arms. It’s been a very difficult journey, but we continue to fight her disease together and Demetria’s toughness and perseverance provides a great source of inspiration. But we are not without joy. Despite all of her challenges, Demetria gave birth to our son, Jude, in 2014! The love, energy, and enthusiasm that he displays every day reflects Demetria’s spirit. 

When I joined CFSB, it was to start “caring for the caregiver.” My experience has been amazing. While I’m proud of my improved fitness, my goal was always to find life balance and strengthen myself to continue my caregiving journey. I never expected to find such a truly positive and supportive community that would help me in achieving this unique goal. A few years ago, when we invited the coaches to Walk MS, we were hoping they would wear our orange Team Deme t-shirts during classes on the day of the walk to help raise awareness for MS. Instead, they asked us to share our story, closed the gym to join us at Walk MS, and encouraged everyone to join our team. The support we felt from the entire CFSB community was incredibly uplifting. Thank you to everyone that helped make it a memorable day and thank you to the members and coaches who continue to strengthen me and allow me to continue caring for Demetria.