My wife Debbie is a constant source of inspiration to me. As many of you know, Debbie was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis—a debilitating disease that attacks the Central Nervous System—when she was in her 20s. While MS has been a long-term battle for her, Debbie has been an integral part of my campaigns and instrumental in helping me serve the state of Arkansas as well as a committed local philanthropic advocate in her own right.

This week, Debbie has been featured on several local radio and television shows talking about MS Awareness Week, which began on Monday. The week is to raise awareness of MS and encourage those with possible symptoms to see their doctor. For thousands of Arkansans, MS is a part of life with daily implications. Many of our citizens each day face great challenges from a wide range of diseases and we encourage you to raise awareness and encourage others to become involved not only in MS, but all health related illnesses that impact our fellow citizens.

Debbie continues to inspire and motivate me everyday as she works to better the lives of others in Arkansans, while waging her own personal battle with MS.

-Shane