Asbury Park, NJ – This past Sunday (May 3), Kelly Conn was recognized as the Honorary Person at the annual Multiple Sclerosis Walk in Asbury Park, N.J., honoring not only her remarkable fundraising efforts, but also her personal journey living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Conn, captain of Team Pacing for the Cure, has been courageously battling MS for nearly 10 years while continuing to inspire those around her through advocacy, positivity, and determination. This year, Conn personally raised $24,565.76, while Team Pacing for the Cure raised a total of $29,365.76 in support of MS research, treatment, and programs for individuals and families affected by the disease.
The team’s fundraising success was fueled by tremendous support from the Standardbred racing community and beyond, including major contributions from NEO Home Loans, Pacing for the Cure, and Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment, along with many generous horsemen and horsewomen throughout the industry.
Conn’s journey with MS was highlighted during the ceremony recognizing her as Honorary Person.
“Today, Kelly is open. Hopeful. Empowered!” the speech read. “She walks to remind others there is no one-size-fits-all MS story. She safely welcomed a daughter, navigated treatment with courage, and remains symptom-free.
“Her journey is proof: MS may shape the path — but it does not decide the destination.”
Among Conn’s biggest supporters are her husband, Mike Conn, daughter Lucy Conn, her parents Jim and Donna Marshall — longtime members of the Standardbred community — and her brother Jim Marshall IV, all of whom have stood beside her throughout her MS journey and fundraising efforts.
Jeff Gesek, founder of the nonprofit Pacing for the Cure, shared an emotional tribute to Conn during the weekend’s events.
“I was so honored to be invited by Kelly to be a part of her ‘Circle of Support’ for the Annual Walk MS in Asbury Park, N.J., this past Sunday as she courageously continues to battle Multiple Sclerosis into her 10th year,” Gesek said.
“Kelly and I have formed a connection and true family-like bond over the years through her support of a charity that I founded for MS the year before she was diagnosed — Pacing for the Cure — in honor of my father who also battled MS for over 33 years.
“We see each other a few times a year, especially at the SPHO of NJ Show in September and at their banquet in February. I was not aware that Kelly had MS until she came to me years ago at the SPHO show and mentioned it to me. Needless to say, I was in shock. She looked, and still looks, full of energy and life and nobody would ever know this.
“She exemplifies perfectly how you should live your life to the fullest and enjoy every moment with family and friends doing what you love. I am so grateful to have met her and am proud to call her a very dear friend. I was glad she thought of me as part of her ‘Circle of Support’ for this MS Walk. I will always be there for her and am so grateful she is doing so awesome.”
The annual MS Walk brings together participants from across the region to raise awareness and critical funding for research aimed at ending Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that affects the central nervous system and impacts nearly one million people in the United States.
Through Team Pacing for the Cure and the continued support of the harness racing community, Conn hopes her story will inspire others living with MS to continue moving forward with hope, strength, and resilience.
Donations supporting Kelly Conn and Team Pacing for the Cure will continue to be accepted through Sept. 30 at Kelly Conn MS Fundraising Page.