Legal Commentary

I turn the microphone over to my colleague, LTN's editorial assistant Heather Schultz:

After losing vision in one eye and experiencing a strange tingling in her arm, my mother, Julia Schultz, was officially diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1980. Because she couldn?t have children, in October, 1984, my parents adopted me from South Korea when I was four months old.

In the beginning of 1985, my mom started experiencing severe walking problems. Her MS was labeled as ?chronic progressive,? confining her to a wheelchair. She experienced continuous hand trembles and cortisone-based treatment, which bloated her naturally thin frame. Her condition worsened, but she spent her last four years playing bingo and enjoying visits from her family.

As a testament to my mother ? who passed away on Jan. 28, 1995 ? I have participated in the annual MS Walk at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh, Long Island since I organized my own team in 2006. Last year, I raised over $1,800. Hopefully, I will surpass the $2,000 donation mark in 2010.

If you are interested in making a donation, please visit my website.