Sandra Grimes

A little background on Sandra in her own words:

In 2006 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis also known as MS, an unpredictable neurological disease that disrupts the flow of information within the brain between the brain and body. The damage to the central nervous system can create a variety of neurological symptoms. Because the damage can be anywhere in the brain and/or spine, there are no 2 cases alike. There is no cure and because there are no 2 cases alike each person affected is treated case by case.

As a single mother of 3 kids, the diagnosis came as a complete shock. I have always had a very active life running around after 3 kids, working out, I was an avid runner, and working 2 jobs. I loved going to the beach whether it was vacationing or taking day trips with my kids.

As time went on other symptoms started to present themselves. I was getting extremely fatigued, my mobility was declining, I could no longer run and I could not effectively do my job. At this point, I realized I was slowly becoming disabled out of my workforce. All of my education and training throughout my life was related to physical jobs and I found it difficult to find work that I was qualified for that didn’t require physical activity. My mobility continued to decline and I was now walking with a cane. I knew the key was to stay as active as possible. I could no longer do the workouts and run like I used to, I had to teach myself a completely different way to be active and exercise. It was a challenge to get to my kid's sporting events, I could not go to the beach with my kids like we used to and I could no longer travel for their sports. I began working with a Physical Therapist who specializes in Neurological disorders. I started going to Acupuncture, the Chiropractor and I began doing adaptive Tai Chi. Over time I learned how to do adaptive workouts and started a workout routine at home. As much as staying active is very important, and it has helped quite a bit, it didn’t stop the progression of MS. I went from using a cane to a walker and now a scooter when I need to do any activity that requires a lot of walking.

Every day is unpredictable with this disease. One day the fatigue can be completely draining, another day my legs can feel like 40-pound weights and I am very stiff, some days I feel really good and have a better range of motion, but a few hours later I might feel exhausted. I never know what to expect from day to day.

-Sandra

Being chosen as the benefactor of the 2021 Keefe Family Polar Plunge meant so much to me and my family. It was an Honor to have been chosen by Ray for an incredible and unique fundraiser. An experience I will always cherish and will remain in my heart. We felt Blessed to have experienced the generosity of so many people who came together to support me and my children and for all the people who took the plunge on my behalf. For the reminder that kind and compassionate people do exist. A Gift of experiencing family, friends and people I had never met who came together to support me and my children through a difficult time. The people and new friends I have made and people I have reconnected with through this experience. The chance to pay it forward to future benefactors and be a part of such an incredible, exciting and energetic foundation. This was an Honor, a Blessing, and a Gift that will always be a part of me and my family. Thank you Ray Keefe for being you and all that you do for so many people. 

-Sandra