Help us raise money

As many of you may know and have unfortunately witnessed, the last several years I have been dealing and struggling with my health journey. I have been working closely with my team of doctors to work toward a firm diagnosis and the right treatment plan. As of now, I am working on practicing patience as we all work together to figure out what is going on. One thing that we do know for sure is that I have been diagnosed with migraines. But not just any type of migraines - I have four different clinical diagnosis of migraine! I have been under treatment for Chronic Migraine for over 6 years and in the last 3 years or so I have also been diagnosed with Vestibular Migraine, Complex Migraine and most recently Hemiplegic Migraine. These migraines are painful and debilitating and have taken away a large chunk of who I used to be. There are days I am in constant pain, days I cannot get out of bed, days I just do not feel like who “Kristen” really is or used to be. The latest diagnosis, Hemiplegic Migraine, is perhaps the scariest and most debilitating as the symptoms are so severe that they can mimic a stroke, and I have been hospitalized more than once due to these symptoms.

In years past, I have participated in Miles for Migraine Virtual 5k as a solo participant. I was too afraid to ask or if I’m being honest, to afraid to let people into this part of my world. This year, I am asking my family and friends to consider donating to the cause or joining MY Team. All the money donated goes Miles for Migraine and goes directly towards migraine research. I am hoping to raise $1000. My Team Name is Kristen’s Krusaders. I am registered as part of the Miles for Migraine – Walk/Run/Relax 2025 -  Buffalo, NY  but (obviously) as a virtual participant. I am very happy and proud to say that last year I was the top fundraiser for the Buffalo Walk and would love to be able to repeat this title this year if possible!!!

I am planning on doing my walk at Hecksher State Park on Saturday, June 28^th around 11am. I am specifically choosing to complete the walk during the month of June as June is Migraine Awareness Month!!! I am inviting anyone and everyone to either donate and/or join my team. You are welcome to come and join me on the virtual walk as well!!! Hopefully we can get a nice group together and have a great walk – and go get some grub after!!!  Remember to either wear your Miles for Migraine shirt or Purple in support of Migraine Awareness.

**Even if you cannot donate or participate in the walk, I do hope you can join me in showing your support by rocking the color purple as much possible during the month of June!***