I think y’all already know that I have battled with this unpredictable, not so fun autoimmune disease known as Multiple Sclerosis for almost 20 years. For nearly half of my life, I have wanted to not only help others struggling with this disease but also do all I can to help find a cure or at least find easier ways to get through this life.

I may not care much for the news because there is hardly ever anything positive being reported on, but I have heard about how awful the treatment of Amazon workers is. Even though I do find it disgraceful for anyone to be mistreated so we can shop, I am also still a guilty Amazon shopper. Although I am sure there are many issues within the company that starts but doesn’t end with the owner’s corruption and poor treatment of employees, at the same time this company has good as well.

Everyone that shops on Amazon have the opportunity to choose a charity they want to raise money for through Smile Amazon. The Amazon Smile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to the charity of your choice. I received an email at the end of last week informing me that the charity I chose, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society received $258, 617.47 year to day in donations because of Smile Amazon. Of course, it still upsets me to think that any Amazon workers are mistreated, but I am still thankful for the donations made to a cause so close to my heart. I can only hope the donations Smile Amazon has made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will help find a cure for this awful disease.

I have been somewhat familiar with The National Multiple Sclerosis Society since being diagnosed all those years ago but recently wanted to know more. I was very interested to find out how this organization began and what more they were doing. I was completely blown away to discover this organization was brought to fruition from one woman full of determination, Sylvia Lawry.

Ms. Lawry was one of four children to Jacob and Sophie Friedman. While she was in school at Hunter’s College pursuing her law degree, Ms. Lawry’s younger brother Bernard began experiencing visual and balance issues. It was at this time these symptoms were proven to be early signs of Multiple Sclerosis. The family tried for years without success to find a cure for their dear family member. In 1945, the strong-willed and very determined young lady, Ms. Lawry, placed a small classified notice in the New York Times, “Multiple Sclerosis. Will anyone recovered from this disease please communicate with patient.”

Once she received more than 50 replies, Ms. Lawry realized more funds for research, treatment and finding a cause were desperately needed. On March 11, 1946, she pulled together 20 of the nation’s most honored research scientists to form the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

As Bernard’s health continued to worsen, she was seeing there were millions of others like her brother that needed help. At this time she gained assistance from Senator Charles Tobey from New Hampshire whose daughter was fighting against Multiple Sclerosis.

Until her dying day February 24, 2001, she continued her war on Multiple Sclerosis. She was a huge loss to the organization, but her legacy will never be forgotten. She did so much to help discover more about this disease and I believe all of us living with Multiple Sclerosis, should always be thankful for this amazing woman!

Thank y’all for visiting my site today. I hope this post was eye-opening and helpful. Even though we may not be able to help with these causes as much as we would like, if you shop on Amazon or know someone that does, you can set it up so the company will donate portions of your purchase to any charity you want! I hope you have had a lovely weekend and you are ready for the holiday next week. Please never forget that I am always sending y’all LOTS of     love , comfort and many positive vibes!

Always, Alyssa