Tag: Crush MS

The Conclusion

by Erin

I don’t know about you guys … but I have just straight been in awe of these two MS warriors since the first time they discussed with me that they were going to try to tackle the Appalachian Trail. I really never had any doubt that they would do it. I think most of us who have had the privilege to get to know these two realize that Koreen will make anything happen after she sets her mind to it. And where Koreen goes, so goes David. For better or for worse. Right? It’s just that I was in awe that they simply weren’t stopping after their previous endeavors. That they had completed a pretty awesome accomplishment when they swept through all 50 states on MS bike rides, only to continue on to set even higher goals by undertaking the formidable journey that is the Appalachian Trail. Yet again furthering their hand in supporting a cure for MS.

The end of Rabbit and Greyhound’s journey came and went quietly here in the internet realm. Because they not only finished earlier than expected, but also in time to go be with their family for the holidays. Celebrating Thanksgiving with Family in Florida, picking up their cat Francis (who by now probably doesn’t remember who they are and will need convincing to return back to RV life), and have hitchhiked (kidding …) their way home to Las Vegas. There they have been soaking in some well deserved rest for the last few weeks. Although, according to Dave, Koreen is still finding her way out of the house to sneak in day hikes from time to time. Because apparently, she’s addicted.

All of it makes me look back, as I have many times along the way during the last 7 months, and realize, I could do more. Couldn’t we all? But they’re out there doing it. Over and over again. It’s amazing, to say the least. However, YOU too are apart of that amazing success! Because with your help, Rabbit and Greyhound have raised over $15,000 in donations to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and it’s bold mission to see a “World Free of MS”! $15,000! And I tell you what my friend, that is just damn fine human-ry right there. I am proud to know them, and I am thankful to be apart of their community of givers.

As most of us know, Koreen is indeed a force to be reckoned with, and an inspiration to all those who would otherwise like to shake their fist at this disease and may not be as capable. But I’m not gonna lie, every step of their journey (both on trail and off), I am continually impressed with the manly steps David takes to keep up with his fireball of a wife. MS does not keep Koreen down. But it sure as hell doesn’t keep Dave down either. And as we celebrate in Koreen’s constant waving of the “F-YOU” flag to MS, I would also like to give a quick shout out to Dave and all the other loved ones who support a family member or friend with MS. David and Koreen are the perfect example of how important it can be to have someone by your side who is willing to walk, crawl, scoot, or wheel their way with you through life. I admire them both and am amazed at how hard they work to find a cure for this crappy MS card they have been delt. It is my hope that those of you who are also battling MS have an equally stubborn and supportive loved one in your life cheering you on and keeping you tethered to the real you, the one that MS does not define, and will not contain. And if you have one of those special people in your life, they know you are grateful, but give them a little extra love back today and every day to honor their side of your story. And if you don’t have one of those people in your life, reach out to this beautiful MS community, it is chock full of people ready to throw some love your way.

For our part to the end of this tale, I would encourage you all to join in on their excitement in pushing through yet another incredible effort to support the mission of a world free of MS. Take this opportunity to fully, and wholeheartedly, congratulate them on their success. Leave a note here on the blog, give them a call (now that they have reliable service), or send them a message on FB to shout out your admiration of their accomplishments. (Perhaps just not as long windedly as I myself do, and did.) 😉

And without further ado, and because I know you love them too, and have been anxiously following their journey, please enjoy their final trail video, with all the love and good feels that come along with it.

Side Note: Since 1958 Springer Mountain has been the southern most terminus of the AT. Many AT hikers begin their journey here and conclude their hike at Mount Katahdin in Maine. But as you recall, Greyhound and Rabbit completed what is called a flip-flop through hike, starting their journey about midway in Harper’s Ferry and traveling north to Mount Katahdin. Then returning to Harper’s Ferry and completing the southern portion to round out the 2190 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Phew.

Vermud

by Erin

Koreen and David have navigated their way over Stratton Mountain in Vermont and are on their way today to Manchester Center. Just four miles from the Appalachian trail, Manchester Center is a convergence point of the Appalachian and Long Trails, which makes it a hot spot for hikers in the Summer time. While they will go a short distance out of their way, this area is a designated AT Community and they will be able to resupply here where there are many “hiker-friendly” amenities to be found.

These two are still trudging through hot, humid, and buggy conditions, with interspersed rains showers. Far from ideal, Vermont is cleverly dubbed “Vermud”, and there have been no exceptions in regards to our hikers travels. They are putting their equipment and motivation to the test these days. So once again (as I leisurely post from my families lake house on a pleasant and breezy Summer day), keep them in your thoughts and send them encouraging vibes. They are working hard through the Summer to keep pace with their goal to make it through the AT. And with your love, and much appreciated fundraising support, we all hope to help fight MS right along with them.

“For miles and miles” – Koreen.

As always, take advantage of the opportunity to support Koreen and David in their fight against MS by donating here.

Milestones

by Erin

56 days in and Koreen and David have accomplished 500 dirt covered long miles. I think their video says it all.

Keep on keeping on my friends. No one could do this in the same style as you do. We love watching your journey and continue to support your efforts.

As always, take advantage of the opportunity to support Koreen and David in their fight against MS by donating here.

Ketchup

by Erin

While I have been MIA, and am plugging in to put in a quick “ketchup” post, David and Koreen have been continuing their long days hiking away through the AT (Appalachian Trail). Here is their most recent video update from 4 days ago.

These two have been hiking in and out between Connecticut and New York and are soon on their way to Massachusetts.

I continue to be soo proud of them and their tenacity.

A loving shout out to Treadmill, who as Koreen mentions in her video, has been one of their longer term Tramily members and who has taken a break in her journey through the AT due to some medical set backs. We hope to hear more stories about her recovery and return to the trail as soon as she is safely able.

As always, take advantage of the opportunity to support Koreen and David in their fight against MS by donating here.

Little Love Notes

by Erin
Be someone’s strength.
Be someone’s inspiration.
Be someone’s reason,
to never give up.
#foxburrowcrushms

Thank You to everyone who is taking the time to send notes to cheer Koreen and David on in their efforts to find a cure to end MS. I know they love to hear and feel the support, so keep the messages coming. They are getting every single one. I will continue to collect and post the ones that aren’t linked directly to the blog so that they will have them here to reminisce when they reflect back on their stories. Feel free to email them directly, email them through the blog, or post directly in the blog comments. All avenues are welcome and encouraged.

Also, and if you should feel so inclined, sharing their posts or blogs through FB and/or other social media sites is another great way to support them. So don’t be shy, while these two are probably two of the most humble people I know, they have made it their goal to be as LOUD and all encompassing when it comes to their mission to support the MS Society in finding a cure to MS. And as you know, just getting the message out about how important the MS Society’s cause is, is a huge step in the right direction. Every share is another opportunity to connect to someone who may be interested in contributing their time, donations, or other efforts toward this amazing cause. So share away my friends! Share away.

“Way to go Koreen and David!  You make slinging mud look good!  Hang in there — and no more handling snakes.”

Doré and Kevin – May 30th, 2019

” David and Koreen,

I CANT WAIT to hear you sing TOUGH ENOUGH on the top of Mt Katahdin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love you! “

Thom Wyatt – May 29th, 2019

“So jealous of the adventure you are tackling!  Stay strong and stay smart!!”

Kristin Watt – May 29th, 2019

“Hey David and Koreen!

Been following your blog.  I am SOOOO exhausted watching you walk!!

What an adventure!  I hope you are both doing well.

I received your TOUGH ENOUGH video!  Who would have thought that little musical hook could have lasted all these years?  (And UPS didn’t think it was memorable!)….

What an adventure!  I hope you are both doing well.

Journey on!  (the trail, not the band)”

Thom Wyatt – May 23rd, 2019

“David,
Our prayers are with you, Koreen and the rest of the MS Crew!”

Uncle Jeff and Aunt Jane – April 30th, 2019

“Love it! Have a great hike! I section hiked VT and MA years ago – there’s a reason they call it the Green Tunnel!”

Chris Lennert – April 29th, 2019

“Best wishes for a successful journey.
Do you have a rough idea of when you might be reaching Ma/NH area. We would love to try and meet up with when you are in the area.”

Rick and Kathy Savage – April 22nd, 2019

“We wish you both the best of luck, you are and will continue to be in our prayers, especially you David in keeping up with Koreen. We were reading your blog on why you do this, not only to raise awareness you do it because you love one another and you stand with and by each other. XO.”

Renee & Randy Selman – April 16th, 2019

There is a Strength in Her

by Erin

We see her power through as a shining example proving that there is hope to all those suffering from M.S.. And since 2007 Koreen has been cycling and hiking her way down this path of life, with the deck sometimes stacked against her, to show that there are so many ways to crush the often overpowering effects of this debilitating disease.

Yet you may not know, that Koreen not only battles MS, but that in the Spring of 2017 Koreen was also diagnosed with breast cancer. It doesn’t seem quite fare that anyone should have to endure two such physically and emotionally crippling diagnoses as this. Yet she underwent surgery and radiation, and was back on her bike, with Dave by her side, to work toward completing their M.S. biking mission within just 2 short weeks. 2 years have passed since she was declared cancer free (!!!) and Dave will attest to that, “It will take more than MS and cancer to turn that smile upside down.” He is her biggest advocate and most stubborn supporter. From his mouth to your ears he will admit that, “She is the toughest person I know.”

Listen now to her touching story of discovering and coping with the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.

“I was just starting graduate school at The Ohio State University when David and I got engaged.  I was working on my Master of Science in Pathology and working full time for the OSU Dept of Neurology when one day I woke up with flu-like symptoms and a strange sensation on my left side.  It continued to get worse.  I mentioned the symptoms to a Neurologist that I worked with and right away he got me in for an MRI.  After a few weeks of testing and worsening symptoms the diagnosis of MS was conclusive.  I think even after the oral steroid treatment and some of the symptoms started to subside, I was quite depressed. 

I felt embarrassed about my diagnosis.  Like I was damaged goods.  I wanted to keep it a secret and not tell anyone. 

Fast forward several years and we moved to Alaska.  We were happy and I thought I was doing well managing the occasional MS symptom that would come up.  When I was diagnosed there were no FDA-approved drug therapies to treat MS.  When I had a flare up they would treat me with IV steroids.  Luckily I didn’t have many flare ups.  Today there are over 15 FDA-approved drug therapies for MS.  One day I had a bike accident.  Everything seemed to spiral out of control.  I shattered my collarbone and the trauma and subsequent surgery threw me into a nasty flare up.

 That’s when I really understood just how awful this disease could be. 

I lost my speech, fine motor skills, I walked with a limp and was experiencing cognitive issues.  As I began to recover from these symptoms I realized how lucky I was. 

I was recovering. 

I did not have the progressive form of the disease.  I could recover where many people living with MS could not.  David and I agreed it was time to up the ante on sharing our story and raising funds for a cure.  That is when we decided to ride a Bike MS event in every state.

That was 12 years ago. 

This year as we hike 2200 miles of the AT I am still reminded of how lucky I am.  I have drop foot so my left foot drags when fatigued.  I have a brace that will help me on the trail.  I have heat sensitivity that can affect me, bringing on symptoms like blurred vision, headaches, weakness and fatigue when I least expect it.  I will be carrying about 2 pounds of medication and supplements.  And because of my ongoing treatment for MS, I am immune suppressed, leaving me extra vulnerable to insect bites and illnesses along the way.  So why do I do it?  Because I can and I am so much more fortunate that many others living with this horrible disease.”

How’d you Cinco de Mayo?

by Erin

May 5th marks the 8th day since these two amazing kids left the common conveniences of day to day life behind to hike the Appalachian Trail in their mission to help support a world free of MS.

In just one short week, Koreen and David have covered an impressive amount of ground! As they push through the beginning of the longest state this half of the flip flop hike will take them, their hiking goal today will reach Caledonia State Park and will bring them days away from one of the toughest terrain they will cross in the Appalachian trail, the Lehigh Gap . There they will truly be working for all the amazing donations you are so generously contributing. More on the Lehigh Gap as they get nearer, but for today, let’s wish them luck in avoiding black bears and rattle snakes as they hoof through another 10 miles today! What did you do this Cinco de Mayo!?

Here’s to another day of Happy Trails!

I’m beginning to think David is camera shy …

As always, take advantage of the opportunity to support Koreen and David in their fight against MS by donating here.

Day 3 and Counting

by Erin
Another Message from Koreen, direct from the trail at the Washington Monument, Maryland.

With 12 miles from yesterday already under their belt, David and Koreen planned on a solid 9 miles today, only to push past a campground they didn’t want to settle in and ended up rounding out their 3rd day with a total 14 miles!

Little did they know the last 5 miles would be as grueling as this! Don’t forget to track their progress on SPOT (link is always in the MENU above).

What the Washington Monument looks like when it’s not closed for repairs!