Mustaches 4 MS is an annual fundraiser to raise awareness of this
debilitating disease and raise money for research. This fundraiser, like many
others, was born in remembrance.  My mother, Loretta Jude Letscher, died
from complications from Multiple Sclerosis on October 1, 2007.  She was
diagnosed with MS in 1998.  

"Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks
the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal
cord, and optic nerves. 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. Today, new treatments and advances in research are giving new
hope to people affected by the disease (National MS Society)."

My mother suffered with the disease for how many years no one will know.  
The most common form of MS is called Relapsing-Remitting MS.  "People
with this type of MS experience clearly defined attacks of worsening
neurologic function. These attacks—which are called relapses, flare-ups, or
exacerbations —are followed by partial or complete recovery periods
(remissions), during which no disease progression occurs. Approximately
85% of people are initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS (National  
MS Society)."  

Her life was characterized by good days and bad.  She never knew which
one it would be.  This is the life for approximately 400,000 people in the US.  

In February 2008 we held the First Annual Mustaches 4 MS fundraiser.  On
a shoe-string budget and word of mouth advertising we overflowed the
Sandbar at Whitlow's on Wilson.  Approximately 200 people showed up in
support of this cause.  Many wore mustaches.  The others just laughed.  We
had fun and we raised almost $3,000 for the DC Chapter of the MS Society.

This fundraiser will become an annual occurrence and we are currently
thinking of ways to make this bigger and better.  Please contact us with any
ideas or help you can provide.  

In Memory of Loretta Jude Letscher
    Sept. 19,1951-Oct. 1,2007
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