Lasco Ford, Fenton, MI — July 24, 2023
A major health crisis can provoke a number of reactions in different people, from hopeless despair to angry determination. We want to introduce you to a remarkable individual by the name of Adam Powell.
Meet Adam Powell
Four years ago, Adam was diagnosed with Primary Progressive MS. His doctor said it was one of the fastest-advancing cases he had ever seen. Adam quickly lost his ability to walk. The latter part of 2019 was a dark time as he struggled to come to grips with the disease.
Adam was starting to make some progress with physical therapy. Thanks to a walker, plus knee, ankle, and foot braces allowed him to get up from his wheelchair and work on regaining some use of his legs. Then Covid hit, creating another setback that might have completely demoralized someone with lesser determination.
Adam said. “I refused to let MS define me. I was not going to be that guy in the wheelchair. I just straight-up refused. Anyone that knows me knows that I am stubborn as hell, but now I finally decided to use that for good instead of evil, and I just dove into therapy as hard as I could.”
By July 2021, Adam was back to walking with minimal assistance. Just hiking poles to give him some support. He continued to work on his physical conditioning, devoting time to the gym and becoming obsessed with the goal of proving that this horrible disease was not going to defeat him.
The real spark that lit the fuse was Adam entering Walk MS in Milford in 2022. He went at it full speed ahead. Adam organized a team, passing out flyers and calling on friends and family to help support his efforts. It was an outstanding success. Adam’s team raised over $22,000 for the MS Society and their efforts to battle the disease.
Adam designed a T-shirt, one with an angry adult theme. He donated proceeds from the sale of the shirts to MS as well.
Fast Forward to 2023
Knowing what to expect after his first Walk MS, Adam began preparations for the 2023 edition of the event. He contacted Sarah Borst, Director Walk for the State of Michigan, and Allison Zimmerman, Manager Walk MS, locally, to help organize his team for the Milford event on May 21st of this year.
Then Adam began soliciting team members to make this year’s fundraiser a bigger accomplishment than his first in 2022. One of the people he spoke to was Matt Lasco, Vice President of Lasco Ford and the Lasco Auto Group.
“We were thrilled to be a part of Adam’s team at Walk MS: Milford. What a great inspiration he is to those fighting this disease. His ‘unstoppable’ attitude generates enthusiasm in everyone he meets. Our company’s charitable initiative, Lasco Gives, was proud to add to Adams’ fundraising totals.” Lasco commented.
The theme of Adam’s message resonated with the employees of Lasco Ford, many of who joined personally to support the walk and add to the goal of topping last year’s total donation.
New Records
How did things work out? Walk MS Milford: saw 413 people turn out for the 2023 event. They raised in excess of $101,000. A 52% increase over last year. What about Adam’s team? They exceeded last year’s total and currently sit as the #1 fundraiser with donations in excess of $25,000.
We say currently. There is still an opportunity to see that number grow. If Adam’s story inspires you, you are looking for a place to do something good, or you want to make your voice heard among those who are fighting to end this disease. Donate to Adam’s Team by following the online link.
Follow Adam online at his Facebook Page and the website he is developing to support his new and ongoing charitable endeavors.
What is Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that impacts the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, which make up the central nervous system and controls everything we do. The exact cause of MS is unknown, but we do know that something triggers the immune system to attack the CNS. The resulting damage to myelin, the protective layer insulating wire-like nerve fibers, disrupts signals to and from the brain. This interruption of communication signals causes unpredictable symptoms such as numbness, tingling, mood changes, memory problems, pain, fatigue, blindness, and/or paralysis. Everyone’s experience with MS is different, and these losses may be temporary or long lasting.
About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). The mission of the NMSS is to provide education, advocacy, and support to individuals with MS and their families, as well as to fund research aimed at finding a cure for the disease.
The NMSS offers a variety of programs and services to support those living with MS, including information and referral services, educational programs, peer support groups, financial assistance, and advocacy efforts. They also fund research to better understand the disease and develop new treatments and therapies. Additionally, the NMSS advocates for policies that promote access to healthcare and disability rights for people with MS.
About Lasco Gives
Since we opened the doors of our first dealership in 1982, giving back to our communities has been a priority for us. Today, Lasco Ford, Grand Blanc Mitsubishi, and Waterford Mitsubishi remain as committed as ever to all the communities we serve in Genesee and Oakland Counties.
To date, Lasco Ford, Grand Blanc Mitsubishi, and Waterford Mitsubishi have raised/donated over $200,000 to our communities.
