2013 Most Inspirational Walkers

Laura Ballance - Orange County

On Sept. 25, 2009, Laura woke up with numbness on her entire right side. Four months later, at the age of 42, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The last three and a half years have been a roller coaster ride. Balancing work, life, and this disease have been challenging. She has constant foot pain, which reminds her daily of the disease.

Laura tells us she participates in Walk MS every year because she wants to do something for the people, like her, who have been diagnosed with MS, as well as bring awareness to this disease. MS has given her a deeper understanding of compassion for those living with a chronic disease, especially those whose symptoms are invisible, like herself. The National MS Society has helped her in many ways through this journey. We have provided newly diagnosed classes, support groups, seminars, and educational materials, just to name a few.

Erin O’Leno - Carlsbad

Though Erin doesn’t live with MS, she has been touched deeply by the disease, so her story really resonated with us. Her mother, Georgann, lived with MS and lost her battle in 2002. As a way to deal with the grief and to do something, she began “Mom’s Angels” in 2003.

In 2010, her sister Leacy, also living with MS, passed away unexpectedly due to complications with the disease. She became another Angel for whom the team walks.

Dawn Beattie - San Diego

In 1995, Dawn, an avid runner, found herself walking into walls at work and experiencing difficulty balancing while lacing up her shoes. She became concerned, and her doctors thought she may be having a stroke. However, after looking at MRIs and spinal taps, they diagnosed her with MS at the age of 34.

Two years later, Dawn started a Walk team. Even though she lives in Northern California now, that hasn’t stopped her from coming to the Walk every year since. In their first year, her team raised $1,000. In 2013, they raised nearly $28,000. She’s a consistent Top Fundraiser, a member of the Board of Trustees, and there’s nothing Dawn wouldn’t do to help support the cause.