On Feb 22nd, 2024, brain walkers gathered in a sea of red to participate in the 5th Annual Bismarck Brain Walk. And boy oh boy, did they SHOW UP!
We had 54 WALKERS (including 9 kids) and 2 dogs.
We had a runner, my aunt who kicked aside her walker three days after a total knee replacement, work walkers, family walkers, and dog walkin’.
And near and dear to my heart, 2 SURVIVORS. Gabe and his beautiful family in Tennessee and me and my #StebbinsStrong gang in North Dakota.
We had people gathered in red in SEVEN STATES!
54 people - 2 dogs - 7 states - going #Red4WED!
All in the name of encephalitis awareness.
To everyone (and their dog) who participated, thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for showing up for me, my family, other survivors, and people all over the world who have been impacted by encephalitis. And to those who donated to Encephalitis International and the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance, thank you. It’s most appreciated.
Autoimmune encephalitis reeks of the devil. It really does. But it called upon all my better angels and I’m so thankful for each and every one of you. I used to wonder whether I could ever again imagine my life without AE. I’m now certain I can’t, but I’m actually quite OK with that. Because of all of you. And your help and grace and love.
Thanks y’all - that was one hell of a World Encephalitis Day and Encephalitis Day North Dakota!
Until 2025 ... #JustKeepSwimming and stay #StebbinsStrong
