The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation.
The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and its employees continue to leave a well-documented trail of generosity in our community. Over the years, a wide-ranging spectrum of charitable organizations, civic groups and individuals throughout San Diego County and beyond have received from the Band’s spirit of sharing beyond financial assistance, and every year Walk MS San Diego is no exception.
Since 1997, Sycuan has supported the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Pacific South Coast Chapter and for 2016 the Sycuan Walk Team is ready to give back again. For over a decade the organization has served as a critical sponsor commencing in 2005 providing financial support. Sycuan has since upped the ante and its Team, which in 2015 was awarded largest group to walk with 286 members, is looking to take the title once more. Team members are not alone as family and friends of Sycuan’s employees also join in the fundraising with a total of over 1,150 participants having raised thousands of dollars for the Society’s mission since Sycuan began partnering. Last year it was estimated Sycuan members devoted 380-plus hours of their own time supporting the chapter!
This devotion and spirit of giving also resonates within Sycuan Casino’s corridors when one of its employees’ mother’s was struck with MS in October 2008. Long-time bingo manager Erik Isner, upon hearing the diagnosis from the strongest woman he knows, had a hard time accepting the facts. “I remember looking in her eyes as she told me the news and wondering how this could happen and why to such an amazing person,” he comments to Giving Back Magazine.
Soon after, Isner realized his mother was not alone as more than 2.3 million people are affected by MS worldwide. Thanks to his fellow employees, the MS Society, donations and sponsorships from organizations like Sycuan, Isner’s mother and other victims have a real fighting chance. Isner adds, “I would like to personally thank Sycuan Casino and the tribe for all that they have provided and will continue to provide in the fight against MS.”
The comradery within Sycuan’s employees, staff and tribe members is one to be revered when it comes to supporting each other and the community, and the MS fight is something they are fully behind. Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Symptoms vary from person to person, range from numbness or tingling, to walking difficulties, fatigue, dizziness, pain, depression, blindness and paralysis.
Locally, the Pacific South Coast Chapter provides programs and services designed to help 51,500 individuals and families affected by MS in Orange, San Diego, Imperial Counties and the Hawaiian Islands.
Because people with MS continually face new challenges it is important they have access to the latest information as well as feeling supported and know they are not alone. The chapter provides emotional support services, financial assistance, wellness programs and family and social support programs. Thanks to the MS Walk and supporters like Sycuan Casino, the Society is able to continue serving the region.
With next month arriving soon, the Sycuan Walk Team will soon be gearing up in preparation for the benefit and traditionally they all show up in unified colored shirts. One week prior to Walk MS, Sycuan employees gather for a t-shirt pick-up party at Sycuan’s grounds and have a chance to talk and prepare for the big fundraiser. It will be hard to miss the members when they arrive the morning on April 23rd for the walk and the Sycuan Walk Team is ready to double-down and take another award for largest group all in the spirit of giving! Sycuan invites you to join them by forming your own team and walk with them, Together.
How to Join:
April 23
NTC Liberty Station
www.mswalk.com
