In 2004 Michael Gerber, husband of Papa Ben’s Kitchen President Gail Lesser-Gerber, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. This diagnosis did not just effect Michael it effected the entire family. Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling, disease of the central nervous system that interrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Millions of people are affected by MS and the challenges of living with its unpredictable symptoms, which range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS.

This weekend, on Sunday April 6th, our family will be participating in one of the most important events of our year; the National MS Walk of Greater Los Angeles. Our team, The JiggyWiggits was formed back in 2007 and today we can proudly say we are one of the largest Friends and Family teams in the country (raising over $200,000 to date). Won’t you walk with us or consider donating to this cause very close to our hearts?

Why do we walk? We walk to PARTICIPATE, MAKE A DIFFERENCE and LIVE A LIFE THAT MATTERS. In the words of Michael Gerber himself “We want to PARTICIPATE in the events that raise money and awareness for this disease. We want to MAKE A DIFFERENCE is the lives of the millions of people that are affected by this disease. And we want to LIVE A LIFE THAT MATTERS by helping to create change in this world.” Within seconds of meeting Michael you will be moved to make a difference. His perseverance, positivity, love and faith radiates. We’d like to welcome you to learn more about this inspiring man at his moving, insightful and quite humorous blog titled “Perspective is Everything”.

Now that you see why the Walk MS 2014 is so near and dear to our hearts we ask you to help us spread the word. Share with your friends and join us for the MS WALK 2014 on April 6th at the Pasadena Rose Bowl. If you can’t join us please find a WALK in a city near you or simply make a difference one Mandelbroyt at a time. Just enter code NMSS all year round at checkout and 30% of your proceeds will do directly to the Multiple Sclerosis Society when you buy our cookies from the Papa Ben’s Kitchen website.