A Victim Himself, Country Music Star Clay Walker Helps Others Fight Against MS

Just when his career was skyrocketing in 1996, country music singer Clay Walker learned he had muscular sclerosis (MS). He was afraid he would no longer be able to live the active life that was important to him, but he was wrong. Although doctors believed at one time that the disease might cut his life short, he continues to perform for sold out crowds, ride horses, play golf, and run on the beach. He gives God the credit for being in remission from the disease and now fights against MS for himself and others with the charity he formed, the Band Against MSSM Foundation.

It didn’t always look bright for the superstar when he first learned he had MS. Doctors told him he had less than eight years to live. He had a three-month-old daughter at home and broke down and cried when he heard the news. He also had a faith in God that helped carry him through the rough times, however.

His strong faith began when he was 15. Clay Walker grew up poor and remembers reading in the Bible about Israel’s King Solomon praying for wisdom, and he began to pray for the same wisdom. He said his life was different after that. He later won a major talent contest, and his life has never been the same.

When Clay Walker learned he had MS, he went into a room, closed the door, and played hymns and prayed. He says when he finished he had peace in the fact that he was in God’s hands.

After that, the doctors told Walker that he was not going to die. He says that when a person has God, “it doesn’t matter what happens to your body.” Clay Walker’s MS has been in remission for eight years. He does receive a daily injection because of MS.

Clay Walker then formed the Band Against MSSM Foundation to help raise awareness of the disease and fight for others with MS. The organization tries to provide hope for those with MS, educate those with the disease about treatments and drug therapies, encourage those with MS to seek appropriate treatment, fund research for a cure, and provide funding assistance to those living with MS.

Although the disease itself may be in remission for Clay Walker, he has had reminders of MS, reminders that encourage him to help others who are stricken. He has laziness in his right leg, tingling in his right hand, and tiredness.

I just feel so grateful that I can play the guitar, dance, and sign autographs,” Walker said on the official website of his charity. “I know it could all be taken away from me. I don’t want to waste even one day.”

The man, who has sold more than eight million albums, had 11 number one singles, and five number one videos, helps victims of MS in other ways besides just his participation in his charity. He speaks to members of Congress about the disease, records television and radio announcements about MS, and speaks at educational seminars about MS. He was awarded last year the Ambassador of the Year award by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society-the highest award the Society gives.

After learning firsthand what it’s like to be in a hospital, Clay Walker sang for injured soldiers a few days before Christmas at the Brooke Army Medical Center. He personally visited those in the burn center and amputee center who were unable to attend his concert. He signed autographs and visited with soldiers personally.

Clay Walker has had 31 songs on the country music chart, including number one songs What’s it to You, Live Until I Die, and Dreaming With My Eyes Open. Many people now know him for his help for those with MS.

Reference:

• www.cbn.com