This Giving Tuesday, You Can Help Fill Someone’s Toolbox
When you’re living with MS, having the right tools can change everything. Your gift improves lives today by helping fill someone’s toolbox with knowledge, comfort, and resources.
-Monica Proctor Wilson and son, Brian Proctor
Monica’s Story
The Power of a Full Toolbox
Monica Proctor Wilson was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis on her 40th birthday after years of searching for answers to her symptoms.
“For years, doctors kept saying that it was fatigue, and that I was overworked and needed to take a break,” Monica recalls. “I believed it was MS and I started asking about it. People would ask me, “'Why would you want MS?”' I did not want MS. I just wanted to know what was going on with me.”
Determined to understand what she was experiencing, Monica began attending educational events and learning from experts. She took what she learned back to her doctors and kept pushing for answers. After several years and an MRI, Monica finally received the diagnosis she had suspected.
Monica now encourages people who are recently diagnosed to “keep things in their toolbox.” For her, one of those vital tools came from MSAA’s Cooling Distribution Program.
“Because MSAA gave me that cooling vest, I can now use that money towards insurance, or the electric bill, or towards food. So while someone may just see a cooling vest, to me, that is a much-needed resource in my toolbox.”
- Monica Proctor Wilson, MS Community Member and Advocate