With her family close by and a crowd of supporters stretching across the south lot of Soldier Field, Erin Stevenson stepped forward with a mix of gratitude, strength and emotion, carrying a story that began long before that moment.
“I’ve focused on controlling what I can,” she said. “I see MS as a bump in the road, not a dead end. It’s about learning how to navigate and pivot.”
The Palos Park mother of three has lived with multiple sclerosis since she was diagnosed at 22 in 2009.
Her connection to the disease runs even deeper. Stevenson’s mother, Leslie, also lived with MS, and in her honor she named her own daughter Leslie, carrying that legacy forward in a deeply personal way, and giving her the middle name of Susanne after her mother-in-law – a heartfelt nod to both mothers.
She is also the founder of the Do Good Movement, in addition to her She CAN initiative, both rooted in service, advocacy and helping others find purpose through challenges.
What followed could have been a story defined by limitation. Instead, Stevenson shaped it into one of purpose, perspective and steady determination.
“Managing my MS through mental health and overall wellness has been key,” she said. “My diet, consistent yoga practice, and living a purpose-driven life centered around giving back have all played a huge role. Inspiring others along the way has also helped me stay grounded and positive.”
That mindset guided her through the physical and emotional challenges of the disease. Stevenson credited her approach to wellness, including a mindful diet, consistent yoga practice and a commitment to mental health, as key to maintaining balance. Just as important, she said, was living a life rooted in giving back.
Through her initiatives, Stevenson worked to inspire others facing their own obstacles, encouraging them to push forward and find purpose beyond diagnosis.
That mission led her to take on a larger role in this year’s Walk MS, held at Soldier Field on Sunday, April 26. The event drew thousands from across the region and country, uniting people living with MS, their families and supporters in a shared effort to raise awareness and advance research toward a cure.
Walk MS is the flagship fundraising event series of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, bringing communities together nationwide. Funds raised support critical programs and services, including MS Navigator, and help drive research that has already seen more than $1.1 billion invested to improve treatments and move closer to a world free of MS. The effort has impacted nearly 450,000 people living with the disease.
Rather than waiting to be asked, Stevenson stepped forward.
“I simply asked,” she said. “I wanted to bring awareness to my mission around She Can and felt this was a powerful moment to share it.”
She also used the opportunity to recognize others in the MS community, including a fellow participant named Matthew, who was diagnosed at 14 and whose team has raised more than $40,000.
Participants gathered before the walk to connect, visit sponsor tents and reflect before setting out together along the lakefront.
“The day brings the community together,” Stevenson said. “There’s time to connect, visit sponsors, and then walk together in support of everyone living with MS. It’s an incredibly powerful and uplifting experience.”
Her involvement in the event carried a deeper meaning. Long before her own diagnosis, Stevenson attended her first MS Walk as a child, supporting her mother.
“It’s a full-circle moment,” she said. “I attended my first MS Walk 29 years ago to support my mom, and now to be hosting is surreal. Having my family, friends, and community there supporting me means everything. It’s a reminder that no dream is impossible when you believe and take that first step.”
The day represented more than awareness. It reflected visibility, advocacy and hope.
Her message to others living with MS remained simple and direct.
“Keep moving. Keep believing. Keep asking questions,” she said. “Listen to your body, be your own advocate, and never give up on yourself.”
As she stood before the crowd, Stevenson expressed gratitude to the Walk MS community, the National MS Society, and those who supported her journey.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the Walk MS community and the National MS Society for the opportunity to host,” she said. “Thank you to 1891 Financial Life for supporting our walk team, and to my She CAN crew for helping turn this movement into something truly impactful. And most importantly, thank you to my husband and children for believing in me and always showing up.”
That day, she led the way.
