Community members support woman with MS by joining her in walk

Jody Rappaport with children Naomi, 5, Ilan, 7, and husband Yoav Jody Rappaport fits the definition of today’s superwoman. She is a part-time physical therapist in an orthopedic clinic and a mother of two active children. “Once my workday finishes, I am a soccer, gymnastic and chess mom, toting them around town,” she says.

She also has found time to be involved at the Tampa Jewish Community Center and Congregation Kol Ami.

Still, there is one more thing that Rappaport must deal with on a daily basis – Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

MS is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another.

“When I first was diagnosed with MS, despite my clinical training in understanding this disease, I had very little to no practical understanding of what living with MS means,” says Rappaport.

She found many of the answers to her questions on the national Multiple Sclerosis website. Perhaps more importantly she found there a community of supporters with first-hand knowledge of those living with MS.

Three years ago, Jody decided to give back to the local MS Society chapter by forming a team to participate in the annual Tampa Walk MS. In 2008, “Jody’s Crew” raised $2,000 and in 2009, $2,500.

She has also been on the Tampa MS Walk committee for the past two years.

When it came to forming a team, Rappaport looked to the Jewish community for support. In fact, from last year’s team of more than 60 people, over two thirds of them are active in the JCC, JLTI (Jewish Leadership Training Institute), Congregation Kol Ami or are from the Hillel School of Tampa, where Rappaport’s children attend.

This year, Jody expects more of the same for the Tampa 2010 MS Walk on Saturday, March 27.

“Everyone knows someone who has MS. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a Tampa community and remind ourselves how much a community helps to support each other through good and hard times,” she says.

To find out how to be part of Jodi’s team or make a donation, visit http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/JodysCrew.

*** Walk MS: Tampa 2010 is March 27, starting at the Lowry Park Zoo, 1001 W. Sligh Ave. Check-in is at 5:30 p.m. and the walk will start at 6:30 p.m. All participants must checkin and turn in their waiver/pledge envelopes the morning of the walk.

For more information, call Olivia Moriarty at 1-888-950- 9080 or visit www.midfloridamswalks.org.