Help Michelle raise money

Why am I so passionate about raising awareness and funds for Migraine and Miles for Migraine?

As the team captain of Steps to Shine Light Squad, migraine has been a transformative part of my journey for decades. Not only is migraine "not just a headache," but it is a neurological disorder with symptoms that can mimic a stroke as mine do which led me to suffer a stroke which I thought was a migraine attack.

I have spent countless hours in the Emergency Room and hospital, but thanks to the exceptional care of my headache specialist, I'm finally experiencing some relief. Over the years, I've learned to cherish the time I have with friends and loved ones, as migraine has caused me to miss out on precious moments and events. It has also impacted my career, hobbies, and ability to do things I love, but I'm determined to rise above it.  Now, I'm driven to pay it forward and help others living with migraine, providers, and caregivers find hope and healing as well as “shine light” on the stigma around migraine.  It is the leading cause of disability in people under 50. More than 40 million Americans live with migraine (over a billion worldwide).

All funds raised from the Colorado event are donated to Children's Hospital of Colorado Headache Center and University of Colorado Headache Center's Fellowship programs to support training for providers in the field of headache medicine and to support local migraine & headache disease research right in Colorado.  Funds are also used to support Miles for Migraine programming. By participating in the event, you are helping to raise awareness of the impact of migraine and supporting the efforts to find better treatments and a cure for this debilitating disease.