Bell Employees

Sherri Polansky, business analyst

Minneapolis

Recipient

Walk MS

The Need

As twin sisters, Lori Bartunek and Glori French have shared a lot of things. One thing they never wanted to share was their diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Glori was diagnosed in 2000, and 6 years later, Lori found out she also has the disease.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and body and can cause many symptoms such as blurred vision, loss of balance, poor coordination, slurred speech, tremors, numbness, extreme fatigue, problems with memory and concentration, paralysis and blindness. It affects more than 2.3 million people worldwide. The cause is unknown.

But Lori and Glori are fighting back together. Their families created “Team Lori & Glori” to participate in Walk MS, raising money for research and awareness of the disease.

The Impact

Sherri Polansky gave her Pay It Forward funds to Team Lori & Glori during the Walk MS: Twin Cities event because they have been lifelong friends and great supporters of their community.

“They are great people who quietly suffer through the agonies of MS,” Sherri notes.

Money raised at Walk MS helps fund research, and it supports programs and services that help people with MS live their best lives. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has given more than $924 million toward MS research since launching in 1946.

“It means the world to us that Sherri would consider us for her Pay It Forward donation when there are so many other deserving families,” Lori and Glori remark.

Team Lori & Glori has been active in fundraising for both the North Dakota and Minnesota MS Societies.

“Many hugs and tears have been shared during these heartfelt events,” the women comment. “Team Lori and Glori will continue the fight and will participate in future MS events.”

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