Jake Tucker, Congregation Shaare Emeth

“I knew my mitzvah project had to be something meaningful. What could be closer to me than multiple sclerosis?” said Jake, son of Aemi and Steven Tucker of Chesterfield. “My mother and grandmother battle this disease every day. The disease is different for every person and I have watched my mother and grandmother fight many different symptoms and problems like fatigue, numbness, dizziness, an inability to walk and a lot of pain.”

The Tucker family had been participating in the Walk MS in Forest Park for years, so Jake thought it was only natural to continue this for his project. He reached out to family and friends and put together a team of 34 people, named Tucker’s Troops. He was pleasantly surprised at all of his friends who wanted to walk with him. Jake, alone, raised $2,501 and the team, in total, raised $2,838.

When one participates in Walk MS, the funds that are raised give hope to the more than 6,900 people living with MS in our community. The dollars raised support life-changing programs and cutting-edge research.

A student at Parkway Central Middle School, Jake knew he wanted to also do something that was hands-on and would directly affect others who have MS.  “Raising money for the walk is not a difficult task, but helping someone directly is a much more rewarding activity- for both parties,” he said.  

“I participated in the MS Society’s Service Days where I assisted in rejuvenating a garden and pond that could no longer be taken care of by a wheelchair bound man with MS,” said Jake. “It was very rewarding being able to help someone with skills that I take for granted every day.” Along with his mother and about 14 college-aged volunteers, Jake spent the entire day, in the rain, remaking the pond, cleaning the yard and planting new foliage. At the end of the day, Jake’s mother could see a sense of pride in her son for the work he had done.

There are many MS Service days throughout the year. They vary from yard work to helping with inside home projects.  People with MS who need some assistance with a bigger project can call the MS Society and let them know. Volunteers are then contacted to lend a hand.