Aharon Fischman settled in Teaneck with his wife Aliza 24 years ago. Soon after, at the age of 25, Aharon began experiencing problems with his vision, prompting him to see a doctor who diagnosed him with optic neuritis. After a series of tests, Aharon was told that he had Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, disrupting the flow of information between the brain and body.
The reality was tough to accept, but from the get-go, Aharon and Aliza were determined to do everything possible to make sure he continued to live a productive and fulfilling life. At the time of his diagnosis, there were only two medications available to treat symptoms associated with MS, Aharon said. “I self injected the medication into my body every other day, and for the most part I was able to continue with daily life.”
For 18 years Aharon continued to work outside of the home where, he said, none of his colleagues knew he had MS. Then one day, about six years ago, he suffered a severe attack which hospitalized him. Thankfully, there were additional treatment options available and Aharon got better and was able to return home. “With time and research, other injectable medications and infusions have been developed which is a huge breakthrough for the MS community,” explained Aharon.
During this time, the family joined Congregation Beth Aaron in Teaneck, where they have been active members for the past 18 years. Aliza works as the public relations and development assistant at TABC and is also the executive director at Camp 613, further integrating the family into the local Orthodox community.
Having personally benefited from the introduction of new treatment options, Aharon understands the importance of medical research. Last year, Aharon and his family registered for the annual Walk MS, a 3 mile/5K walk with all proceeds benefiting MS research. The first Walk MS took place in 1988, and since then more than $970 million has been raised for research and programs to improve the lives of people living with MS.
Aharon described Walk MS as an incredible experience. “Beside it being a worthwhile cause, it was something we did as a family.” Aharon felt a tremendous accomplishment having completed the walk. “I was a mess at the end,” he recalls, “but I did it!”
While there have definitely been setbacks along the way, Aharon is thankful for the medical advancements he has seen over the last two decades. “Medical research has changed the quality of my life, and that’s why I am raising funds towards a brighter future for people living with MS.”
Aharon, Aliza and their kids have registered to walk again this year and are encouraging friends and family to join them. Last year they raised $8000 in donations. The Fischmans are spreading the word through social media and are hoping with community participation this year’s number will be even greater.
“The money raised will drive groundbreaking research, provide life-changing programs and guarantee a supportive community for those who need it most,” explained Aharon.
The Fischman family wishes to thank all those who have donated to date. At press time, they had already raised $3,500.
Walk MS 2019 will take place on April 28 at Overpeck County Park. To learn more please visit www.nationalmssociety.org.� To donate to the Fischman team, type in “go fisch go” in the search box.
By Andrea Nissel
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