Walking to spread awareness of MS

Emily Munoz spends much of her time doing fundraising events and spreading awareness about multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease that hasnt broken her spirit and positivity since she was diagnosed in 2006.

Munoz, 32, of Ozone Park, will be preparing to join her Just Es-Support team in the seventh New York Multiple Sclerosis Walk at South Street Seaport on Sunday, April 28.

According to Munoz, when she was diagnosed with MS at the age of 26, she didnt understand what the condition was or why it happened to her.

I felt confused. As a young lady I wasnt really sure what MS was until my neurologist told me that talk show host Montel Williams had it as well, said Munoz. But after a while I had a better outlook on things, and had a positive attitude about it. I wasnt going to let it stop me from doing anything Ive been already doing.

The chronic illness, which affects the central nervous system, caused Munoz to have spasms and pain attacks every three months, until one day she experienced numbness on the entire right side of her body. Scared and nervous about her condition, she was afraid to be in public because of the way she was feeling.

Ive dealt with different spasms where it tightens up my muscles; theyre painful, she said. Sometimes theyre a lot stronger than others, but I usually get it in my legs, feet, arms and neck.

Unable to afford the $1,600 cost of her medication when she was laid off from work in 2010, Munoz reached out to a representative from the New York Southern Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The group was able to assist and supply her with Avonex, a weekly injection that is mailed three months worth at a time.

She said the society also constantly kept her informed about events and was an inspiration to do so much more.

The MS Society is committed to helping tens of thousands of people living with MS in New York City and five lower upstate counties by providing comprehensive support services and educational programs, according to the Southern New York Chapters website.

Daphne Mack, spokeswoman for the chapter, said the April 28 walk is looked at as a rallying point for people living with MS, their loved ones and friends.

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Walking to spread awareness of MS