One of the ways that I handle having MS is by choosing not to think about it more than necessary. I’m not interested in this being one of the characteristics that defines me. I’m many, many things before I’m a person with multiple sclerosis.

But this is MS Awareness week, which seems the right time to say something more.

I’ve been lucky so far. I won’t run another marathon, but I can still win a wrestling match with my son. I’m strong. My family and my friends have been cheering me on from the first days of figuring out how to live with this new reality. I’m fortunate. I’m blessed.

But there are so many people living with multiple sclerosis who choose to keep it very private. They handle it alone. So many others are willing to open up, but may not have friends and family to help them get through the hard days and nights. This is a terrible disease. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to do without a helping hand.

For me, the MS Walk in April is a way to show my support for people who share my challenges and harder ones. And it’s a way to say thank you to the loved ones who have had my back this year. And perhaps most of all, it’s a way to celebrate the fact that I can walk three miles with my family and my friends.

Showing support, saying thank you, celebrating what’s good in life. I don’t take any of this for granted.

If you’re local, I’d love for you to join me on the walk. If not, your donations are welcome. Your support, however you choose to express it, will help make life better for people who have MS. Be aware, show support — even for people who aren’t asking. They’re my team, too.