About 30 years ago my mother was diagnosed with progressive type Multiple Sclerosis. She was a stay at home mom and raised me and my brother with no complaints. Although her body might have been struggling physically I never saw any struggle in her eyes.

Always taking each day as another gift, my mother did what she could to be there for my brother and I even if that meant going above and beyond and pushing her physical limits.

As I had my own scare with Multiple Sclerosis two years ago, I did not know how I would go on. I did not have the strength and fight in my heart that I see in my mother. It takes a special kind of person to face adversity with such faith, hope, and strength.

As I took the position as the Szajnuks nanny I would soon find that this mother was similar to my own. After a few weeks getting to know the family it was clear that Gina had this special strength in her heart as well. I recognized my mother in her and completely fell in love with the family. There are not many people that are able to fight such a hard fight and continue to hold their head high like my mother and Gina; who I now consider my second mom.

I watch her not only fight for the health and happiness of her children but also for other parents and children fighting the same fight. She has overcome many obstacles and even with all the events occurring in her family, she still continues to think about others. I see this every day in her children, especially in her oldest Ava. I can see that Ava has learned to face her personal adversities with that same drive and positivity as her mother.

It is an honor to be a part of her family, and help my second mom also fight this fight. These women are truly guardian angels for their kids, and I have been truly blessed to have not only one, but two of these motherly role models in my life. I will continue to help support both of them as we journey on this fight together to find answers for Gina’s, kids as well as a cure for MS. We will not give up because; together we can do hard things.