If you didn’t know, I love the television show “So You Think You Can Dance” that airs on FOX. It also is no secret that I have a tendency to have extremely vivid dreams. However, when desperate measures dictate the use of prescription sleep aids, those vivid dreams have a high incidence of transforming into dramatic hallucinations. Having been depraved of sleep for several weeks, I have been trying to glean every possible minute from a night with the help of Ambien CR.

In any case, the SYTYCD finale show included one of my favorite choreographers, Wade Robson. He choreographed the following group performance which is a song titled “Homage to the Rabbits” by Eric Serra. It is from the Cirque du Soleil’s production, “Criss Angel Believe.”

\”Homage to the Rabbits\”

Suffice to say, the bunnies have been around every night since. While they seem somewhat menacing in the performance, I’m quite happy to say they’ve been nothing worse than a bit exuberant and jovial in hallucinated form. They’ve had quite the fun over the last several nights dancing in the living room, out on the back lawn, etc. Hmmm. Now I’m hungry for carrot cake. With raisins. And lots of gooey cream cheese frosting. Yeah, think anyone can arrange for that? That helps fight off MS exacerbations. Right?

I’ve had a great deal on my mind of late. There is so much I’m now open to sharing and discussing that for weeks I’ve struggled to admit to even myself. Slowly I am going to peel back the various layers that I’ve been hiding behind. It won’t be overnight and will more resemble one of those ancient Tootsie Roll Pop commercials. Just how long it’ll take to get to the center will be a while. There won’t be any owls participating.

Today was the third of what will be 5 consecutive days of Intravenous Solu-medrol treatments. Solu-medrol is a corticosteroid that is considered the gold standard in treating accute exacerbations of Multiple Sclerosis. For quite a while I refused to admit to myself or others the reality of the situation. This is probably the worst exacerbation I’ve ever had with my disease. In any case, I’ve come to terms and am taking all the steps available to make progress. As time passes it shall become evident whether or not things will stabilize, progress, or maybe even digress.

At this time of night, I’ll go ahead and end. It’s late. I’ve had more than my fair share of prescription medications. If I don’t fall asleep soon it’s entirely likely I’ll be visited by human sized dancing bunnies compliments of Wade Robson. That’s for another post.

Do you want to be a part of The Mooving Hurd? If you don’t remember, that’s the name of my Walk MS team. As you can see in the photo, Gunnar has his horns ready to be part of “the hurd.”

Sadly, at this point, I’ve only achieved 45% of my goal. This hurts because I live each day knowing what MS does to a person. I want to reach my goal so that other people can have the support that I’ve had battling this disease.

Won’t you be as enthusiastic as Gunnar and join “the hurd’?? Will you please consider making a pledge? If you don’t prefer to make your pledge online you can also mail me a check. Please email me at themoovinghurd @v3rnon.com and I will provide the address.

Thanks for your time and thanks in advance for your support!!

Pledge Online: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/v3rnon

(The National MS Society is a non-profit organization and all pledges are tax deductible.)

Five years ago this month I believed that the numbness that began in my left shoulder was nothing more than a pinched nerve that would work itself out. As the weeks passed, the numbness enveloped everything from my left shoulder to the very tips of my left hand. The continued progression and intensity to a feeling of pins and needles accompanied by burning sensations ultimately led to a doctor’s visit. After countless tests I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Even after five years the numbness, tingling, and burning still remain.

The reason I share this is because this weekend I and several friends will be joining thousands of other people across the country as we walk. We walk to fight Multiple Sclerosis. We walk that others might know the terrible effects that this disease inflicts upon individuals, families, and children. We walk to bring hope that researchers will find the cure to this disease. We walk for those that cannot.

The research, educational, and support programs that are funded by The National Multiple Sclerosis Society change the lives of people with MS. People like me. People like my father. When my father was diagnosed in 1982, there were very few of the treatments for Multiple Sclerosis that we have today. A diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis was in essence a precursor to disability. Research funded by the MS Society has helped to discover the treatments that allow us to continue to live our lives, advance our careers, and build our families. The educational and support programs help us to understand what MS is, how it will affect our lives, and how it will affect those around us. It provides us with the tools and knowledge to keep moving despite the disease.

Unfortunately, none of these programs are possible without the necessary financial resources. It is my hope that you will join me in helping meet these financial needs. I realize that no one likes being asked to donate money to something. However, knowing firsthand the impact that the MS Society has empowers me to make this plea. It is also easy to advocate for an organization where nearly 80% of all income is directed to research and local programs.

You can make a donation/pledge online quickly and easily. I’m not asking for anything eye-popping. I’m hoping you’ll join me and support my team with a donation/pledge of just $20. Together, each of our $20 could be what makes the difference in finding a cure. Even if it doesn’t find a cure, I hope you’ll smile knowing you made a difference in the life of someone with MS!

Thanks in advance for your support of me and my team – the mooving hurd!!

Depending on the depth of our relationship as friend, family, colleague or random reader it may not be well known that I have MS — Multiple Sclerosis. This week is one of the few times each year I make an effort to talk about the disease, it’s effects, and the future. And me. The rest of the year it’s merely another thread that is woven in with countless others that makeup me, my life, and experiences.

Before the sun sets on the 17th it is my endeavor to share with you my personal story. I’ve yet to determine how I’m going to do that. I’ve considered writing, of course, and also the possibility of using video to tell my story. In retrospect, video is something that will have to wait for later — not enough time.

My question to you today is… Won’t you join me? Join me in becoming aware of Multiple Sclerosis. Aware of its effects on countless people across the country and throughout the world. Aware of the reality that you already know someone that has MS but don’t realize it.  Please join me today. If nothing more, take just a few moments to go to the website and learn a little more about MS.

And no, this isn’t the disease that Jerry (Lewis) does a telethon for each year. I’ve been asked that question countless times.