During his adolescence, Nick participated in a myriad of extra-curricular activities that ranged from being in the school choir to being awarded MVP for various sports activities. Although he enjoyed participating in a variety of activities, running was always his true passion. When he entered high school, Nick tried out for the track team and made varsity as a freshman. He ran Cross Country (3 Miles), 1 Mile, 880, and 440 races.

After Nick graduated from high school, he quickly enlisted into the US Army as a 51 Bravo-Carpentry & Masonry Specialist / Infantryman at the age of 17. Graduating with honors, he was sent to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for basic training in the US Army.

After years of military service and finding the love of his life, Colleen, along the way Nick seemed to have everything he wanted in life. Then on November 7, 2000, he was dealt a devastating blow. Nick was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

As time passed, he noticed that more and more of his abilities deteriorated. In 2004, he could no longer run. Nick could barely walk 1,800 steps before experiencing an excruciating pain in his left calf. This was then followed by three days in a bed due to his inability to walk

After this experience, Nick decided that he would not let MS beat him. It gave him a new outlook on life. He vowed to never give up on the things that he loved doing. Nick did not want to look back 20 years from now and say to himself “what if I tried”…”what if I could have succeeded?”  This feeling of uncertainty propelled him to engage in his true passion again - running!

Nick also became involved with the National MS Society - New Jersey Metro Chapter. In 2007 he became a volunteer, helping out with pre and post event mailings. He felt compelled to do more for the Society, so he became a Champion for our Walk and Bike events. The Champions program pairs Walk and Bike participants with people living with multiple sclerosis. Champions offer participants encouragement, and in return the participants dedicate their involvement in our events to the person living with MS.

In 2009, Nick took his involvement with our Chapter one step further, and joined our young professionals committee. This committee creates unique ideas and events to raise awareness for MS focusing on the attention of young professionals.

As our ambassador for the 2010 Walk MS, Nick has made it his business to generate fundraising dollars from multiple donors, in the hopes of fulfilling our mission to create a world free of multiple sclerosis.

Today, Nick’s pedometer tells him that he can walk over 13,000 steps which is equivalent to a little over 6.5 miles. He now he has the ability to run about 200 yards with no problem! His ultimate goal is to run a five mile race once again! Nick’s hope is that when a person hears the two words ‘Multiple Sclerosis’, they will not automatically assume the worst.  To Nick, MS has a new meaning. He tells everyone, “Yes, I have MS- Multiple Strengths!”    

To make a donation for the 2010 Walk MS on behalf of Nick Marchesani, please click here.