MS Sylvies

In 2010, my brother, sister, and myself were honored with the "Youth All Star Award" for all of the volunteering we participated in that year. Then again in 2012, I received the
same award.

In 2013, my sister and I nominated my parents for the Care Partner of the year award.

Below is the nomination I submitted:

"My parents, Dean and Andrea Blosberg are completely committed to fighting MS. Even
before my dad, Dean, was diagnosed in 1998, they have been volunteering. 
When I was diagnosed in 2011, and when my symptoms started in 2010, my parents never
stopped supporting me. Numerous doctor and therapy appointments left my mom with
very little time to herself. She continues to give. Although our life has become complicated with family members with MS, and one with FASD, they never give up.

They continue to volunteer, have fun, travel, work, and most importantly, love.
When I have "bad" days, or when my symptoms are limiting me from my activities, my
parents remind me that there will be bad days, and there will be good days. They have
supported me with many accommodations, allowing me to be a normal teenager; most
of these accommodations taking time away from time they need elsewhere.

No, it isn't easy. I don't know how they continue to move forward, but somehow they do.
They are always positive, or adding humor to the situation to make it easier. Having them receive this award would mean a lot to me. I cannot put into words how much I love and appreciate my parents. I truly believe they should be recognized for all of the support they give. 

JOY!
There are many things that give my parents, Dean and Andrea joy. To start, spending
time as a family. Our family has traveled many places and has become very close.

When my dad was diagnosed in 1998, my parents decided that they would live life to its
fullest. They would take my siblings and I sightseeing, camping, or just to a weekend at
the cabin. They did not want to miss out on any opportunity because of MS.

Our pets also bring my parents joy. Our goofy dogs, cats, chickens, and sugar gliders
are always providing love, joy, and entertainment!

My mom, Andrea, also likes to have time for herself. Reading a book, embroidering,
gardening, or coffee with friends are always things she enjoys. Unfortunately, she does
not have much time to do these things for herself as she is constantly caring for others especially me, my siblings, and my dad.

My dad, Dean, enjoys time at the cabin. While there, he enjoys "playing" with his ham
radios, spending time in the barn/garage, and just enjoying the peace and quiet. He too,
does not often have a chance to take time for himself. He constantly provides for us by
working, supporting, and caring for me, my siblings, and my mom."

Jessica (my sister) and I were informed in November 2013 that our parents would be
receiving the award. Together, we decided to keep this award a secret! For 4 months
Jessica and I kept in contact with the MS Society over email and few phone calls away
from our parents. It was easily one of the hardest things I have ever done!

A few weeks before we were to present the award, my mom and dad asked Jessica and
I if we would be okay missing the Sylvies awards dinner that year- NO! We had to
quickly construct an excuse why we should go! Eventually, we told them that we got a
phone call asking if we would present the Youth Volunteer of the Year award.

On February 1, 2014, we met at the MS Sylvies Awards Dinner. My mom and dad were entirely convinced that we were presenting the youth award. As Jessica and I walked on stage, I walked up to the podium and revealed our secret award. A link to the video is below, where you can watch their reaction: Luminary Award 2013

My parents truly deserve this award. They continue to fight, advocate, educate, and
support me, my family, friends, and thousands of people living with Multiple Sclerosis.

The MS Sylvies is an awards dinner received its name through Sylvia Lawry, the
founder of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. "Sylvia Lawry single-handedly
launched an international war on multiple sclerosis, founded both the National Multiple
Sclerosis Society in the United States and the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation abroad, and who profoundly influenced research, disease management, and public policy concerning this complex neurological disease" (nationalmssociety.org).

Each year at the Sylvies, volunteers, supporters, and sponsors receive awards as a thank you for their support.