Meet Keri Price: a walking enthusiast who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2005. She's a New Balance fan on a mission to help people, be a good citizen, and raise money to support, advocate, and find a cure for MS.
Whether giving back to the community or tackling 50 miles in Door County to raise funds for The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Keri needs shoes that will support her every step.
That's where we come in. Because at Goodmiles, we believe that every mile can be a goodmile.
Introduce Yourself:
Keri: My name is Keri Price. I enjoy helping others – whether through the acts of hospitality, doing a job well or raising money to promote research that leads to finding a cure for MS. I enjoy the process of making others feel appreciated, creating/learning new things and adding value to whatever activities I put my efforts toward. My mark on life will be the positive impact I make on the MS community members and greater society around me.
What are some of your life achievements?
Keri: My proudest moments are when I’ve successfully contributed to an effort that leads to the well-being in others. I derive satisfaction from helping other people find their “happy”.
2005 chair for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Orlando – over 4.5K participants and $500K raised to help those whose lives are impacted by Breast Cancer
I am the Captain for Team Razzle Dazzle; we participate in the local Milwaukee Walk MS event every May. Collectively, we have raised over $100K to help fund research and provide support to those whose lives are impacted by Multiple Sclerosis, including mine, since 2006.
I was a mentor for another colleague who went on to receive a promotion and excel in her career.
Received accolades during my prior 20+ year career in Telecom for my efforts – team work, successful project/program management and for process improvement.
How are you connected with the MS Society?
Keri: I was diagnosed with MS in 2005. Next year – 2025 - will be my 20th year of living with this disease. I have been fortunate enough to navigate this very unpredictable disease with the help of my friends, family, amazing medical professionals and the local MS Society resources.
At one time or another, I have experienced paralysis, vision impairment, numbness, and much more. Prior to my initial onset of MS, I led a very active lifestyle; I traveled for work 15-20 days/mo., played golf and was an athlete when I was in college. MS hit me hard, and fast. It definitely changed the direction of where my life/career were headed. As I worked my way through my recovery, I had to learn to be patient with myself while my body had to rehabilitate as close as possible to my initial level of capability.
Why do you think it’s important to give back to the community?
Keri: It is better to leave things better than or equal to how you found them. It’s through our relationships and connections that we can all live our best lives. I am happy to help lend a hand or ear to those who are going through the uncertainty of an MS diagnosis. It is amazing how what one person has been through can help make another’s experience that much easier.
How has being a part of the MS society helped you in giving back?
Keri: I am fortunate to have found an amazing array of medical professionals, supporters and the right medications to keep my condition as stable as possible. Given the fact that I am doing as well as I am, I feel it is my duty to help those who are less fortunate than me. MS is a very scary and unpredictable disease – if there is any opportunity to help someone get through it, I will try to help.
How can others get involved with the MS Society?
Keri: It is so easy to help make an impact. Whether that is participating in the annual Walk MS fundraiser, making donations to the MS Society or just being there for fellow community members who are in search of resources to help navigate through the waters of MS.
Everyone has the power to change the world for people with MS. That’s why I’m walking 50 miles over 3 days at Challenge Walk MS — a charity endurance walk event for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society — to connect with others and raise funds to ensure that no one faces MS alone.
Link to my fundraising efforts: https://events.nationalmssociety.org/participant/503212
What keeps you motivated & inspired?
Keri: I am motivated by how far I have personally persevered in the fight against MS within my own body. I am determined to continue living my best life and being thankful for all of the abilities I have that were once lost. I am a competitive person by nature, and will use this to help me keep up my momentum along the journey.
I am inspired by my fellow walkers and others diagnosed with MS who are on a similar quest, dealing with other maladies and symptoms that are not always visible to the naked eye. I will use my resources and personal strength to help make an impact.
What got you into your walking passion?
Keri: A couple of my counterparts from the local Southeast WI MS Council were talking about it on one of our conference calls in 1Q24. The Chapter President and another fellow walker with MS struck up a conversation with me - “have you ever thought about it?” “you should do it” “you can do it!” . I initially brushed it off, but then realized as I was about to have a lot of time on my hands due to an impending layoff in April 24, that it was a perfect goal for me to use – to help myself and others. I signed on in 2Q24 and started my training routine. I have met such special people along the way who I am happy to walk beside and help.
What is your favorite brand of shoes for walking?
Keri: I love New Balance. It was my recent decision to commit to doing the MS Challenge Walk this September that got me to evaluate my current shoes (which were an old pair of blue NB 890’s) and explore getting a new pair (or two) as I embark upon this adventure.
Why do you love New Balance?
Keri: New Balance has been my favorite – the New Balance Fuel cell shoe is incredible. I have never experienced a shoe like this before. They are so light and fun to wear! It is almost as if you are being propelled forward with a spring in your step. It will be super helpful for me to help deal with fatigue on my long days.
What motivates you to move?
Keri: I continue to move, because I am grateful that I currently have the capacity to do so. Having gone through the personal experience of losing the ability to walk during the course of my MS, I do not take this lightly.
I’m excited to meet others over the 3-day weekend who all have their own stories and experiences to share.
What does a Goodmile mean to you?
Keri: Making a positive impact on others. The double benefit in this case is that in preparation for the Challenge Walk is that I’m getting myself back in shape in the process!