As we're in the last week of MS Awareness Month, I wanted to share a little bit about a charity that's very near and dear to my heart. KV's Krew was established in honor of Kathy Villella, who was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) in July 2008. On March 10, 2014, Kathy's daughter, Nikki, was also diagnosed with MS.
Kathy's other daughter, Samantha, is a very dear friend of mine and I've gotten to know this wonderful family very well. Although they face struggles every day that I couldn't even begin to imagine, this family has an unlimited supply of love, faith, and laughter that keeps them going on even their darkest days. I started by volunteering to take photographs at their annual fundraising dinner, but my involvement with the organization has grown over the years, from helping design their website to our most recent project, filming a short documentary called A Journey of Hope.
Guests at last year's dinner, Strike Out MS, watching A Journey of Hope. A surreal experience.
Filming this documentary has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life. Showing life through Ed and Kathy's eyes was an opportunity to help others understand what it's like to live with the effects of this disease, not only for the person with the disease but his/her caretakers and family. To show the challenges they deal with on a daily basis, but also the amazing amount of hope that's a constant presence in their lives. After the first screening of A Journey of Hope at KV's Krew's 2016 fundraising dinner, Strike Out MS (baseball themed!), there was not a single dry eye in the house - mine included. It was overwhelming to see my work on a giant screen, with so many people watching, knowing I was able to help share the Villellas' story.
Sam and me. 💗
None of this would have been possible without my amazing friend Samantha. Her tireless efforts with KV's Krew have raised thousands of dollars for organizations that support MS, like the Oak Clinic for Multiple Sclerosis. She is constantly educating and raising awareness - she's always rocking her orange! - and is always ready and willing to talk to anyone who will listen about this disease. Right at this moment, she is in Washington, D.C. advocating for her mother, sister, and everyone living with MS. She is an incredible person and I am honored to call her my friend.
I've always had a hard time finding a charity I really feel a personal connection with, but KV's Krew has given me an opportunity to be able to use my talents to truly help others. We've got even more exciting projects coming soon, so stay tuned. Until then, we'll keep fighting until we can one day find a cure for Kathy, Nikki, and all those living with MS.
Ryan, Nikki, Stef, Brent, Sam, Kathy & Ed. I love these Villellas!