May 17, 2013 - Walking Toward a Cure for MS, One Step, One Year At a Time

UTI-Rancho Cucamonga staff, their families and friends, gather with Admissions Representative Monique Molina, who was diagnosed with MS in 2003, at the starting line of “Walk MS: Inland Empire 2013.”

When Monique Molina, admissions representative at UTI-Rancho Cucamonga, learned she had Multiple Sclerosis (MS), she experienced a whirlwind of emotions. Would she get to see her children graduate from high school? What does she need to do to stay healthy? What does she do next? She started researching MS, attending seminars and adjusting her diet and lifestyle to stay active – that’s what she did next.

Since her initial diagnosis, she has never looked back and only focused on being positive. So positive and proactive, in fact, some people openly wonder why she has a disability tag for her car. To them, she certainly doesn’t appear to have a disability.

“I’m full of life, I keep moving, I keep pushing,” said Molina. “I don’t believe that I’m sick, I don’t let it [MS] beat me.”

Molina’s positivity is infectious, and so is her go-getter attitude, so when the last minute opportunity arose for the UTI-Rancho Cucamonga campus to participate in, “Walk MS: Inland Empire 2013,” they welcomed the worthy cause with open arms. Twenty-five staff, friends and family joined Molina for the one-mile family route, 5K route, or both. Many who participated had friends or family members affected by MS, making the walk even more significant. Together with the gym that Molina regularly visits to stay active and healthy, the group raised more than $1,400.

“I was very touched. I didn’t know people actually cared like that,” said Molina. “They didn’t have to, but they made an effort to come out. They took time out of their schedules to walk with me.”

Next year, Molina and UTI-Rancho Cucamonga have their sights set on a larger walking group and raising more money. With more time to plan and organize Molina is confident the awareness and impact UTI has on the community will spread. She wants to find a way to ignite change throughout the community, starting with the students she works with.

“I’ve worked at UTI for five years,” said Molina. “I love going to a restaurant or somewhere and hearing someone tell me about how her son or daughter’s life has changed, all because of UTI.”

Molina likes to talk about the future, because she knows that her efforts, along with supporting organizations like UTI, life-changing programs and research to end MS can thrive. Every year she recognizes the anniversary of her diagnosis as a milestone, and with the support of her husband, children and co-workers, she marks it as one more year in the books to keep moving forward.

“I stay positive about it all the time,” said Molina. “I’m going to wear my heels until the wheels fall off.”

This June marks 10 years since her diagnosis, and Molina is looking forward to another great year.