Aston Chef With MS Walks 50 Miles to End The Disease.

We think your readers would be touched and inspired after reading the story of Allison Coia, a local woman who has MS. Earlier this year Allison had an MS attack and temporarily lost the use her hands. The disease, which Alisons sister also struggles with, has caused constant tingling and numbness in Allisons left hand and foot. But the MS has also caused her to relook at her life. .

CONTACT: Linda Smith or Kevin Wheeler   800-548-4611
Local Resident Treks 50 Miles To End MS

(PRWEB) August, 2003 -- No one dare tell Allison Coia that she is sick." This determined 39-year old Aston resident, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis two years ago. This October 10-12, she will trek 50 miles over three days in the National Multiple Sclerosis Societys Challenge Walk. She plans to raise more than $3000 to help end MS.
   
In February 2002, I had my first big attack," says Coia. It was a very stressful time for me work wise. Thirty minutes after I got an upsetting phone call my hands werent working right and by the end of the night I didnt have any use of my left hand at all."

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic unpredictable neurological disease affecting more than 400,000 Americans. The symptoms, which can range from fatigue and blurred vision, to paralysis and blindness, can come and go without warning. For a person with MS, even putting one foot in front of the other can be a challenge. Ive experienced vertigo, numbness and tingling on my left side," says Coia. But I also feel very fortunate as far as my physical abilities go."

Coia is not the kind of person to let MS stand in the way of accomplishing anything. Since being diagnosed, she traded in her desk job in information technology to start her own personal chef business. Now, rather than sitting in a cubicle, she cooks gourmet meals for clients who dont have the time or physical ability to cook for themselves.

I totally went in the opposite direction of what I was doing and I love it," says Coia. That kind of will power runs in the family. Allison Coias older sister Kathy also struggles with MS. Together, the sisters have completed two walks for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Last year, Allison also rode her bike 150 miles in the 2-day MS 150.

The MS Challenge Walk will begin October 10 on the steps of The Philadelphia Museum of Art. More than 600 people, most of whom have been touched by MS, will walk from historic Philadelphia through rural Montgomery County and back. Their motivations may vary, but they all will raise awareness of MS and money needed to advance scientific research and fund support services.

Im confident that Ill make it," says Coia. I always have numbness and tingling in my left-hand and left foot. Im more concerned with blisters and tendinitis."

That kind of commitment is one of the reasons Coia recently received the MS Leadership Award, which honors Philadelphia area professionals whove made an outstanding contribution to the business, civic and cultural betterment of our community.
   
The biggest challenge is never knowing what tomorrow brings. Mentally its kind of tough on you," says Coia. But I think that things happen for a reason. Somebody up there knows that I will get out there, bring awareness and raise money. And so, why sit back when I am physically able to participate and do events like this?"

To learn more about how you can support Allison Coia and the MS Challenge Walk, contact the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at 1-800-883-WALK . To sponsor Allison Coia in her walk to beat MS, mail donations to: 432 Cedarcrest Lane, Aston, PA 19104 or email ajcoia@aol.com.

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