“Advocacy scratches an itch for me, like a job.”When Lori Turley was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021, she was determined to return to work. An educational curriculum writer with a doctorate in educational leadership, she had her sights set on serving as a district superintendent. But after two months, she realized she just couldn’t do it anymore. Her physical and cognitive symptoms forced her to retire. After working for 21 years, it was hard to sit at home without structure. A friend suggested getting involved with Walk MS®.She says that getting involved with the Society was one of the best decisions she ever made. “The support I got was critical. It helped me find my purpose again,” she explains. For 3 years she led a Walk MS team in the Dallas area, raising a total of $25,000. By 2022, Walk MS was becoming more than she could physically handle. As she was realizing that she had to stop, she got an email from the Society announcing that CNN anchor John King was making the keynote speech at the Virtual Public Policy Conference. It piqued her interest, and she decided to go. During that event, Lori learned about the opportunity to serve as a virtual activist and reached out to the advocacy team to learn more. Soon after, she became a district activist leader. She later took a role on the Government Relations Advisory Committee.In 2023, alongside her husband, Lori attended the Public Policy Conference and was eventually asked to be part of the Activism Advisory Committee (AAC), a group of 20 leaders driving policy priorities for people living with MS. “Whatever we have to do to raise awareness, get money for research, as long as I’m able to do it physically, I’ll do it. I’m all in,” she says. Last October, in her first AAC meeting, she met fellow committee member Dr. Jim Brasfield, who was immediately helpful in guiding Lori on policy. This past winter Lori’s health suffered, and she couldn’t leave the house. Jim sent her some health policy books he’d written, furthering her education and providing welcome distraction and support.A lifelong learner, Lori knew how critical it was to be informed and confident in speaking about the legislative implications affecting people living with MS. “I wanted to be able to speak intelligently, and the best way to do that is to learn more. I love to learn and felt Jim was eager to teach. We’re all on the same team and working toward that goal. I would encourage anyone who has MS — if you have the ability and the will, help is available. Even if you feel unsure, there are all kinds of resources if you’re just willing to learn,” she says.
