OUR STORY

My journey with Multiple Sclerosis began like many others—unexpectedly, unwelcomed, and with countless questions about what the future would hold. What I didn't anticipate was how this diagnosis would not only reshape my life but also reveal a purpose bigger than myself.

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The day I received my MS diagnosis changed everything. With Kierra and our young family by my side, we suddenly faced a new reality filled with medical appointments, mounting bills, and the knowledge that our lives would never be the same. What struck me most wasn't just the physical challenges I would face, but how this diagnosis would affect our entire family unit—emotionally, financially, and in terms of the dreams we had for our future together.

 

The first years after diagnosis were challenging as we navigated this new terrain. We quickly learned that MS doesn't just impact the person diagnosed — it reshapes an entire family. Medical bills mounted as our savings dwindled. Activities we once took for granted became complicated logistical challenges. Through it all, I watched my family take on responsibilities and worries no young family should have to bear.

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But here's what I also discovered: when faced with limitations, humans have an extraordinary capacity to innovate and find new paths forward. When traditional activities became inaccessible, we sought adaptive solutions. When financial pressures threatened our stability, we looked for creative approaches. When the mental toll became overwhelming, we sought community—only to discover how many families like ours were struggling silently in isolation.

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It was during a particularly challenging period that Kierra and I had our revelation. We were discussing a dream vacation to Hawaii—something we had always planned to do "one day." That phrase —"one day" — suddenly felt like a luxury we could no longer afford to believe in. MS had taught us that waiting for the perfect moment might mean waiting forever.

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That conversation sparked something in us. What if we could help families like ours turn "one day" into "today"? What if we could provide the financial support, the adaptive equipment, the mental health resources, and the unforgettable experiences that make life with MS not just manageable, but truly worth living?

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The Go Shawn Go Foundation was born from this question. The name itself comes from our family's rallying cry whenever things got tough — a reminder that forward motion, however slow or unconventional, is still progress. It's what my children would cheer during my physical therapy sessions and what Kierra would whisper during nights when the pain made sleep impossible.

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Our mission began in our own communities across Western New York, where we saw firsthand how families affected by MS and similar disabilities were struggling without adequate support systems. We started small, but with big dreams — helping one family at a time while envisioning a future where adaptive mobility equipment would allow anyone to experience the outdoor adventures I once took for granted.

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Today, the Go Shawn Go Foundation stands as a testament to what can happen when we refuse to let limitations define us. We're committed to providing financial assistance to families suddenly navigating the costs of disability. We're creating unforgettable experiences that might otherwise remain forever in the "one day" category. We're working toward a fleet of outdoor mobility vehicles that will open up trails, beaches, and natural wonders to everyone. And perhaps most importantly, we're building a community where the mental health challenges that come with chronic illness can be addressed openly and with compassion.

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My MS hasn't disappeared, and the challenges remain real. But through this foundation, we've found that when one path closes, countless others open — if only we're willing to look for them and help others find their way too.

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If you're reading this as someone affected by MS or a similar disability, please know that your story doesn't end with diagnosis. It evolves, transforms, and can lead to unexpected purpose.

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And if you're reading this as someone looking to support our mission, thank you. Your contribution doesn't just fund programs — it fuels hope, enables dreams, and reminds families like mine that limitations aren't the end of the journey but simply an invitation to forge new paths.

 

Together, we can ensure that everyone has the support, resources, and opportunities they need to keep going — no matter what challenges they face.

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Go Shawn Go isn't just about me. It's about all of us, moving forward together.

 

With gratitude and determination,

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Shawn Gist

Founder & President, Go Shawn Go Foundation