Tellos Supports Port Resident's Efforts to Fight MS

Port Washington resident Jennifer Egan was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis seven years ago, but she counts herself as one of the lucky ones, and is using her good health to work to fight the disease that she has seen disrupt so many lives.

"I'm not in a wheelchair; I don't have to walk with a cane," Egan said. " I act like I don't have it. There are people who wake up in the morning and they are completely blind, or they can’t get out of bed by themselves."

Multiple Sclerosis, commonly referred to as MS, attacks the central nervous system and can eventually cause paralysis. The cause of MS is unknown, however genetics is believed to play a role, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Egan said she and her husband Mike participate in and also organize events in order to raise money for the cause, which they donatedto the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The couple are close to having raised $100,000 for ththe annual 50-mile Challenge Walk in Door County.

Egan is also organizing the fifth annual We're Egan to Cure MS Vendor and Craft Show at  on March 31. The event includes a bake sale, silent auction and raffle, and 100 percent of the proceeds go to the society. 

 owner Angel Tello said his restaurant has provided food for Egan's fundraisers in past years, and this year he decided to take it another step further. On Feb. 15, the restaurant will donate 10 percent of the day's sales to the cause, and Tello will personally match that donation.

"In the history of my family, thank God nobody was touched by MS," Tello said. "But I just feel because the community gives lots of support to us, I feel like I should myself, personally, give something back to such a great campaign."

Tello said in past years, while getting the restaurant off its feet, he has invested money in advertising — but now he would like to put that money into the community instead.

"We want to do more fundraisers like that, and help keep the money local for beneficial causes, instead of giving money to big companies," Tello said. "That helped in the beginning, but this year, we decided we want to give it back to the community."

Egan said she is grateful for the help, and hopes the event also helps raise awareness about the disease. She knows eventually the MS could take a greater toll on her, but plans to keep working for the cause as much as she can.

"I have had little flare-ups where my hand is numb," Egan said. "I know eventually I probably will be in a wheelchair or having to use a walker, or my memory will be not as good. I goof around and say one day I will have a pink scooter and a wagon. But until that happens, why worry about it?"

If you're unable to attend any of these events but would still like to contribute, you can read more about Egan's efforts and donate on her website.