Podcast Summary: "How a 3,288-Mile Run Sparked a NATIONWIDE Fight Against Multiple Sclerosis"

Podcast Information

• Title: A Place of Yes | A Grief Podcast
• Host/Author: Bright Sighted
• Episode Title: How a 3,288-Mile Run Sparked a NATIONWIDE Fight Against Multiple Sclerosis
• Release Date: February 20, 2025

Introduction In this compelling episode of "A Place of Yes," host Heather Stratter engages in an inspiring conversation with Ashley Schneider, the President and Founder of Ms. Run the U.S. Mississippi. The podcast delves into Ashley’s remarkable journey of transforming personal grief into a powerful movement against Multiple Sclerosis (MS), honoring her late mother’s battle with the disease.

Ashley Schneider’s Personal Journey and Motivation The episode opens with Heather welcoming Ashley and setting the stage for a deep dive into her motivations and the genesis of her nonprofit work. Ashley shares her profound personal connection to MS, explaining that her mother was diagnosed with the disease before Ashley was born. She reflects:

Ashley Schneider [00:27]: "Both my parents lived very well through adversity. They showed me how to live gracefully while also being in challenging adverse conditions."

From a young age, Ashley witnessed her mother's declining mobility and cognitive functions due to MS, which profoundly impacted her perspective on life and resilience. This early exposure fueled her passion for fitness and wellness, traits she attributes to both personal inclination and her mother's influence.

The 3,288-Mile Run Across America Heather introduces the central story of the episode—the ambitious 3,288-mile run Ashley undertook in 2010 to raise half a million dollars for MS research in honor of her mother:

Heather Stratter [00:23]: "You did that in 2010 to honor your mom who is living with MS, and your goal was to raise half a million dollars, Is that right?"

Ashley confirms and elaborates on her motivations:

Ashley Schneider [01:27]: "I knew it was what I was supposed to do. So you asked why I do what you do. It's because I recognized the calling."

Despite not having run a marathon before, Ashley’s determination led her to undertake the grueling journey of running 125 marathons across the United States. She describes the physical and emotional challenges, emphasizing that the run was both a tribute and a means of empowering herself against the adversities posed by MS.

Initial Challenges and Pivoting Ashley candidly discusses the initial disappointment of not meeting her fundraising goal during the first run:

Ashley Schneider [21:43]: "It was super, super disappointing. I had done this incredible feat... I only raised $56,000."

However, this setback became a catalyst for transformation. Recognizing the power of collective effort, Ashley conceptualized America's longest relay run, designed to engage more participants and exponentially increase fundraising potential. This pivot was fueled by the unwavering support from her community, illustrating the profound impact of shared purpose.

Establishing Ms. Run the U.S. Heather inquires about the evolution of Ashley's nonprofit, to which Ashley details the strategic development of Ms. Run the U.S.:

Ashley Schneider [25:18]: "We did raise the half a million dollars that year."

The organization expanded to include a relay team, requiring each runner to fundraise a minimum of $10,000. This model not only diversified fundraising strategies but also fostered a supportive community among runners. Ashley highlights the importance of structured support and positive pressure in achieving fundraising goals, ensuring the sustainability and growth of the nonprofit.

Impact and Current Operations Ms. Run the U.S. has since become a significant force in raising awareness and funds for MS research. Ashley explains how the funds are allocated in partnership with the National MS Society's Navigator Program:

Ashley Schneider [28:55]: "We have a shared space of where we communicate on the requests and we fund them there."

Additionally, a portion of the funds supports research initiatives, though Ashley emphasizes the human impact of direct aid over large-scale research funding. The organization also offers various programs such as athlete participation in different races and an ambassador program, broadening its reach and effectiveness.

Personal Reflections and Legacy Throughout the conversation, Ashley shares poignant personal experiences, including the simultaneous loss of her parents and the enduring presence of her mother's spirit guiding her endeavors:

Ashley Schneider [08:32]: "I could feel my mom's presence. And I heard her say, I'm proud of you."

Heather resonates with Ashley’s belief in ongoing spiritual connections, sharing her own experiences of feeling her late son Jake's presence. This mutual understanding underscores the podcast's central theme of channeling grief into positive action.

Conclusion Heather and Ashley conclude their heartfelt dialogue by reflecting on the profound legacy of love and resilience that drives their respective missions. Ashley expresses immense pride in the work Ms. Run the U.S. accomplishes, attributing its success to a dedicated team and the foundational values instilled by her parents:

Ashley Schneider [27:07]: "They instilled some really quality values in me and my siblings. The way that me and my siblings live our life looks different. But the quality, it's the content, it's the character, it's the value of the work."

Heather echoes the importance of such impactful work, emphasizing the ripple effect of supporting meaningful causes.

Call to Action The episode wraps up with Ashley providing listeners with ways to engage with Ms. Run the U.S., including participating in relay runs, applying for ambassador roles, and attending events. She encourages those interested to visit the organization's website and get involved in various capacities to further the fight against MS.

Ashley Schneider [31:00]: "We have a get involved tab on our website... the relay does come through Milwaukee in July."

Notable Quotes

• Ashley Schneider [00:27]: "Both my parents lived very well through adversity. They showed me how to live gracefully while also being in challenging adverse conditions."
• Heather Stratter [00:23]: "You did that in 2010 to honor your mom who is living with MS, and your goal was to raise half a million dollars, Is that right?"
• Ashley Schneider [08:32]: "I could feel my mom's presence. And I heard her say, I'm proud of you."
• Ashley Schneider [21:43]: "It was super, super disappointing. I had done this incredible feat... I only raised $56,000."
• Ashley Schneider [25:18]: "We did raise the half a million dollars that year."
• Ashley Schneider [27:07]: "They instilled some really quality values in me and my siblings. The way that me and my siblings live our life looks different. But the quality, it's the content, it's the character, it's the value of the work."

Final Thoughts This episode of "A Place of Yes" masterfully illustrates how personal grief and adversity can be transformed into a beacon of hope and change. Ashley Schneider's story is a testament to resilience, community support, and the enduring power of love to drive meaningful action against challenging circumstances like Multiple Sclerosis.