By Ginny Privitar
West Milford — Lyndsay Wright knows what it is to face a challenge in life.
This March marks the 10th anniversary of Lyndsay Wright's diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis. She was 18.
She's not sitting home feeling sorry for herself.
She marked the anniversary by participating in a vertical 5K during the "Climb to the Top Challenge NYC" at Rockefeller Center on March 4.
For the Climb to the Top, Wright ascended 66 flights — that's 1,215 stairs — to the Top of the Rock to raise funds to support those affected by MS.
Wright was accompanied by her brother and fellow MS fighter, Chris Wright, and her boyfriend and fellow MS advocate, Eddie McKeon.
Wright said climbing those 66 flights of stairs really tested her, but she knows from past experience she can accomplish anything.
"The most rewarding feeling was making it to the top with everyone cheering you on and overlooking the beautiful view of New York City from the top of Rockefeller Center," she said. "That was my first time at the Top of The Rock, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Raising awareness for MS and enjoying a nice view ... what could be better?"
Lyndsay Wright is an advocate, a fundraiser for MS and an inspiration to many.
So much so that worldwide online publication Yahoo Lifestyle, which produced a series called "Inspired By" in honor of MS Awareness Month, featured Wright as one of four "extraordinary warriors and advocates in the MS community," according to Brittany Forgione of Yahoo Lifestyle.
Blair Raynor, producer at Yahoo Lifestyle, said, "We're seeking to showcase a 'day in the life' of those who have encountered perilous challenges in their fight against this degenerative disease and who have become pillars and icons … in spite of those challenges."
Yahoo Lifestyle discovered Wright through the MS community and filmed and interviewed her on the day she participated in "Climb to the Top NYC."
"We were instantly inspired by her positive energy, sassy spirit, determination and her efforts to raise awareness around fundraising and participation in MS events," Forgione said.
Lyndsay Wright, 28, works as a marketing manager. She and her team, "Demyelinate This" have raised more than $50,000 to fight MS. She has have been involved in multiple physically-demanding fundraising events for MS, including a 100-mile bike run.
Looking back at her ten-year battle with MS, Wright is proud of the impact she's had on others.
"Whether it’s a Facebook post or Instagram post, my voice is being heard and people are finding their own inspiration and motivation within themselves to keep pushing through because they see that I have chosen NOT to give up," Wright said. "I will never give up."
Wright's Yahoo interview https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/ms-messed-wrong-girl-says-advocate-climbed-66-flights-stairs-fundraising-victory-120040239.html
Future event Walk MS will take place on April 29 at Overpeck County Park in Ridgefield Park, N.J.
To register, please contact Lyndsay Wright at LyndsayFightsMS@yahoo.com.
Donations can be mailed to Lyndsay Wright, PO BOX 354, Hewitt, N.J. 07421.
Checks should be made payable to the “National MS Society.”