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Multiple sclerosis, a disease causing breakdown of the protective covering of nerves which could lead to numbness, trouble walking, vision changes, and more, affects nearly one million people nationwide according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. 

While March is officially recognized as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, individuals throughout Winchester recently showed that efforts do not have to begin and end with that month. 

Both an online auction and an event at The Happy Corner – located at 10 S. Main Street – helped raise money to support the cause. 

“MS is a very personal cause for me, as I myself have MS,” wrote Jessica Moore, who was diagnosed in May 2021 and played a key role in organizing the efforts. “I greatly appreciate any and all donations that can be given to help support such a great cause.” 

The Happy Corner, known for selling a variety of boba teas, protein shakes, energy drinks, and more, is operated by Yavi Barrera. 

Shortly after being contacted, Barrera decided she wanted to help out in a unique manner. 

“We came up with an MS [awareness] drink. It had several different flavors in it [including] orange [and] strawberry,” Moore added. “For every drink she sold, she donated $1 to the [Multiple Sclerosis] Foundation.” 

Moore had begun contacting businesses in January asking for support. 

Yet that’s not all. 

An online auction over the course of one week took place, beginning Saturday, April 5, and ending Saturday, April 12. 

About 50 items – several provided from local businesses – were donated. 

Among them were merchandise from local tire vendors, gift baskets from Ale-8-One Bottling Company and Ruth Hunt Candies, merchandise from Crystal Coven Mystic Cottage, a load of rock from The Allen Company, and more. 

In total, approximately $2,000 was raised. 

When asked what the most rewarding part of the two events were, Moore was quick to respond. 

“Seeing how many people support my cause…[I] was extremely touched and overwhelmed.” 

She also gave a reply when asked what she would like to continue seeing in the future. 

“Raising more awareness of this because not a lot of people know what [multiple sclerosis] is and how it affects people,” she said.