On Saturday, March 9, Julie Lyons and a group of her close friends will swim together at their local pool to raise funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis through the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America’s Swim for MS program, a do-it-yourself fundraiser that encourages participants to create swimming-related challenges while recruiting friends and family to donate to MSAA in support of their goals.
Lyons, a former resident of New Hyde Park and a current resident of Alameda, Calif., was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2009. Despite facing challenges with her mobility on land, she found that exercising in the pool made her disability disappear and allowed her to get the frequent exercise she needed.
Lyons, who has been a physical therapist for nearly 30 years, recognizes the importance of swimming for everyone, especially individuals with multiple sclerosis. “Swimming has been a wonderful way for me to keep moving with MS,” she said. “I have improved my strength, my endurance, my overall health, and perhaps, most importantly, my spirit.”
When Lyons found out about MSAA’s Swim for MS initiative, she saw it as the perfect opportunity to support a cause she cares about while also showing her close friends the importance of swimming, especially for people with MS. “I realized that some of my friends didn’t even know how to swim,” she said. “I wanted my friends to feel confident and safe in the water and to know that they always have an option for water exercise.”
Lyons’ “Swim for MS Pool Party” was created to recognize MS Awareness Month, her own birthday, and provide a swim instructor to friends who are still learning how to swim. In preparation for the party, Lyons has reached out to friends and family to ask for donations in support of MSAA to help other individuals like her receive free, vital resources.
Lyons’ original fundraising goal was to raise $1,650 — so far, she has raised more than $2,000 dollars and hopes to collect even more donations on the day of her pool party.
“I chose to support MSAA because several years ago when I was suffering from heat-sensitivity, MSAA was able to provide me with a cooling vest at no cost,” Lyons said. “I am very grateful.”
To donate to Lyons’ Swim for MS Pool Party fundraiser, visit her Swim fundraising page.
