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. 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 7 years and in the last 4 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 last Migraine, 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, too 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. Last year, I was the TOP FUNDRAISER and I am hoping to match that amount again this year and 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. 

 This year is certainly going to look a little different and here is the part I have been hesitant to actually type out…mostly because seeing it in black and white makes it a little harder to ignore…After a long journey with doctors, tests, etc., I was officially diagnosed with an autoimmune/autonomic disorder called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome or POTS. This condition, along with my migraine disorders, has impacted my daily life and essentially robbed me from being able to be an active participant in my life most days. That being said, I am no longer able to walk the full 3.1 miles of the virtual walk and will leaning into the “RELAX” portion of the fundraiser. 

 This year, I am planning on doing my fundraiser at Seaman’s Neck Park on Saturday, June 28^th around 10am as a DAY IN THE PARK!!!. 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 in the park  - There is so much to do! Come play some volleyball or pickleball. Take a walk or bike ride along the paved path. Bring a frisbee and play on the field. Go to the playground with the kids. Or just come and hang out. 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!***