Marching to End MS

The 2021 Live Engaged Wellness Challenge is now underway, and this year’s kick-off was our favorite to date!

When a member of our team was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2020, we marveled at his resilience and positive attitude, while wondering how we could show up for him as his Dairyland family. A key area of Live Engaged is being present and connected with the people closest to us – our family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. This diagnosis was an invitation—among the many daily prompts that arise in each of our lives—for us to be the people we aspire to be. The opportunity arose to show up for our circle and walk in solidarity with Mitch and so many others who live with MS, and we could not bypass it.

On Saturday, May 1^st a group gathered in De Pere, Wisconsin for an outdoor 5K walk to catch up, connect and support Mitch and others living with MS. Those who couldn’t physically join the group participated remotely from Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, and throughout Wisconsin. Some marched along with paper cut-outs, others participated even while on vacation, and most got to enjoy sunshine overhead. It was a reminder that solidarity and support do not require physical proximity.

As we continue the wellness challenge throughout the summer and fall, we will be looking for other ways to elevate and further the work of charitable organizations and causes that matter to each of us. Our daily steps will serve as reminders to use our energy on behalf of others.

Inspired to participate? Here are a few ways you can join us:

1. It’s not too late to start the Wellness Challenge. Grab your tennis shoes and join us (challenge details here)!
2. MS is still without a cure. If you would like to contribute, you can do so here or find an MS Walk near you!

Together we have far greater impact than alone. Thank you for being part of this global network for good!