Ten-year-old Tommy Weeks sat silently on the sofa next to his dad who gently explained to his young son that Mommy had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Not able to grasp fully the ramifications of such a diagnosis but discerning enough to understanding life would never be the same for his mother, the dark haired lad had just one question. “Is MS contagious?” he whispered haltingly to his father.
Several years have passed and today Weeks is 18 years old and college-bound. He enters adulthood understanding full well the effects MS can have on a family. Growing up, his friends concentrated on pursuits and activities consistent with their maturity. Weeks, however, discovered early on what it means to be truly responsible, empathic and selfless.
“Soon after my mother’s diagnosis I learned that we had to play by the rules of MS,” said Weeks, who has been named a 2009 scholarship recipient. “But the rules of MS proved erratic and have been extremely hard to follow because they are constantly changing.”
More than 6,000 Connecticut residents, like Weeks’ mother, Susan, are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is a potentially debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system. Symptoms are erratic and can include numbness and tingling in the extremities, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness, fatigues and, in some severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted, and there is no cure.
“Multiple sclerosis is something like a board game,” said the Ridgefield High School graduate. “Our family, scores some points – moves ahead. But MS cheats and suddenly says, ‘No, you can’t. Why? Because I say so.’”
Susan Weeks first noticed signs of the disease while working as a waitress her fingers and toes began to feel numb at the tips. She dismissed the strange sensation attributing it to the fibers in the new socks she had recently purchased. But when her entire left side, including her face, went completely numb she knew that something serious was at hand.
“Today, multiple sclerosis affects me in almost every area of my life,” said Susan Weeks, using a tissue to gently push aside a tear making its way down her cheek. “My children are amazing. Thomas will notice me struggle to complete a task – maybe it’s the dishes or perhaps it’s vacuuming the rug – and he will step right in to help without me ever uttering a word. He is genuine and big-hearted. I know he would do anything within his power to help me.”
Notwithstanding the added responsibilities at home, the younger Weeks was active at school, participating in cross country and indoor track. In 2009 Weeks was named captain of the cross country team. He is the recipient of the school’s Tiger Pride award for Boys Cross Country and the Lee Knowles award for music. Weeks, who plays the saxophone, was a member of the Ridgefield High School marching band and also the Jazz band. He has earned high honors every semester for the past four years.
Still, besides the accolades and success accomplished thus far, something more – something much bigger requires Weeks’ focus and attention.
“I can’t wait to wake up one morning and hear breaking news declaring a cure for MS has been found,” said Thomas. “If there is one positive thing MS has taught me, it has taught me to be hopeful.”
Weeks begins his freshman year this fall at the University of Connecticut at Storrs. Excelling both in and out of the classroom earned Thomas a college scholarship from the Hayley’s Hope and Michaela’s Miracle MS Scholarship Program. He is just one of four students statewide receiving such a scholarship. Weeks and the other scholarship recipients were honored at a June 8 reception and the Country Club of Farmington where Dr. William Petit Jr. recognized their achievements.
“I know that Jennifer would be very proud of the scholarships that have been awarded from the Hayley’s Hope and Michaela’s Miracle MS Fund this year,” said Petit, the husband of Jennifer and father of Hayley and Michaela. “She would be happy to know that these funds raised to honor and remember what Hayley and Michaela worked for are helping those who have MS and whose families are afflicted by MS. She lived with the many daily and variable symptoms of MS, especially fatigue. She wanted her daughters to become as educated as possible while remembering to help others and lead by example. The funds awarded these students allow them to go forward to have the chance to direct and enhance their educations and to ‘Be the change they want to see in the world’ as happier and more productive members of society.”
Weeks expressed gratitude and said the scholarship will ease the financial burden associated with college enrollment.
“We are delighted to present this scholarship to Tommy,” stated Lisa Gerrol, Connecticut Chapter president. “In addition to his academic, musical and athletic successes, Tommy has demonstrated outstanding compassion and determination in dealing with the challenges faced by a family affected by MS.”
Despite excellent grades and exceptional athletic ability, Weeks remains humble, attributing much of his success to the precepts and support provided by his parents.
“My family’s shared battle with MS has taught me so much about the true meaning of perseverance,” said Weeks with a smile. “I am inspired to continue through life with the same mental perseverance possessed by my mother. Through her example, I realize perseverance demands internal fortitude and consistency.”
The Hayley’s Hope and Michaela’s Miracle MS Scholarship is made possible through the Hayley’s Hope and Michaela’s Miracle MS Memorial Fund. The fund was established in 2007 by the Petit family to honor the memory of Jennifer Hawke-Petit, who had MS, and her daughters Hayley and Michaela. College scholarships are offered annually to vocational, technical or college-bound high school seniors diagnosed with multiple sclerosis or applicants whose parent has multiple sclerosis. For more information, please contact the Connecticut Chapter at 860-913-2550 or visit www.ctfightsMS.org.
