Four years ago, Ashlei Brown ran her first endurance event as part of Team MSAA. The view was about as good as it could get – EPCOT.

In July, Ashlei shared her struggles with a severe MS flare that she experienced in 2020.

“2020 I was in the biggest episode of my life, hardly able to walk. I was stressed about moving my family across state lines from Florida to Tennessee into unfamiliar territory with no extended family to lean on… in the middle of COVID. My MS is completely under control now, thanks to the amazing people at @VUMChealth.

I think it’s time to run again for @MSassociation”

We wanted to hear more about Ashlei’s journey with Team MSAA, and what inspired her to run again at Disney.

Q: How did you hear about MSAA and Team MSAA?

I was diagnosed back in 2018 & really dug into research on the illness. It led me straight to MSAA. As I was on their website, I saw Team MSAA & became intrigued. And then I saw Disney, which is a passion of mine and I knew it was meant to be.

Q: What is it like to participate in runDisney as part of #TeamMSAA?

It was absolutely magical. I had participated in 5Ks before, but when you run on behalf of something you’re going through personally AND in a place where all of your problems are set aside, the experience becomes one you can’t describe. The different photo ops during the race were on point!

Q: What motivates you to run in these events and to run for Team MSAA? What motivated you to decide to participate in it again?

It’s the cause behind the run coupled with the passion for Disney. My MS is stable for now, thanks to the wonderful medical team at Vanderbilt. But tomorrow is never promised so I live my life with intention to do everything I possibly can WHILE I can! If I’m going to run more marathons, why not do it for Team MSAA!

Q: What would you say to someone who is considering participating in an event like this, but is hesitant to start?

Similarly, what would you tell someone who is unable to participate, but wants to support in some way?

Go for it, the feeling is invigorating. I was overwhelmed at first. Terrified that I would be last, afraid I wouldn’t be able to finish. But who cares where you end up, as long as you get past that finish line! The fulfillment knowing you’ve accomplished something you thought you couldn’t do is worth it.

And if you can’t participate, you can show support by donating, sharing, and cheering from the sidelines! It all makes a difference!

Thank you, Ashlei, for joining Team MSAA, and supporting our free programs and services for the MS community!

To end with a quote from Ashlei after her first runDisney event:

“There’s a lot of information floating out in the universe regarding MS. Even people who have been diagnosed with MS have misinformation. It’s so important to raise awareness because when everyone comes together to fight, we can conquer a lot! There is power in numbers!”

All fundraisers, big or small, play a vital role in raising awareness and funds to help support MSAA’s free programs and services. You don’t need to be a fundraising expert or endurance runner to raise money for the MS community – MSAA even has a DIY Toolkit to help you learn more, get inspired, and create your own fundraiser! Please visit MyMSAA.org/DIY for more information.

Have you created a unique fundraiser for MSAA in the past? We would love to hear about it!