“Meet Deborah & Her Service Dog Jip”
Deborah Ramirez, a mother of three adult daughters, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1999.
She has been bravely battling the disease for more than 20 years and while she has faced
several obstacles in her journey, she’ll be the first to share with you the successes. It’s her
infectious positivity and unwavering faith that have helped to raise awareness about this
crippling autoimmune disease.
MS strikes with little warning and rarely affects any two people in the same way. In Deborah’s
case, it manifested itself through problems with her vision and balance. Her eye doctor was
quick to refer her to a neurologist where she was initially told she may have a brain tumor.
Thankfully, it wasn’t the dreaded “C” word. In that, she felt immense relief. But then came the
fear in a diagnosis that at the time, she knew very little about.
For the first 15 years, her MS symptoms were frustrating, but manageable. Then, slowly, over
time, the damage to her central nervous system caused her to rely more and more on her
walker. Increased spasticity meant she needed help bending her legs to do simple things like
getting into a car or getting up from a chair. Before long, her mobility became so limited, she
was dependent on a wheelchair. As a fiercely strong and self-reliant woman, this was a tough
pill for Deb to swallow.
“Enter… a lovable Black Labrador named Jip.”
Jip is Deborah’s certified service dog through Saint Francis. The non-profit professionally trains
dogs like Jip to help people of all ages who are battling physical and developmental disabilities.
Deb’s outlook changed from the moment the two first met in training. Their bond has increased
her motivation, raised her self-esteem, and given her a higher quality of life. Jip has made
everyday tasks more manageable, and together, the pair has become an inspiration to
everyone around them. They have put a face and a story to Multiple Sclerosis… and inspired so
many along the way.
MSAV is another organization extremely close to Deborah’s heart. So much so, that in the
middle of this pandemic, she saw her birthday as an opportunity to raise money through a
Facebook fundraiser.
Below is an excerpt of what she shared.
“This organization welcomed me with open arms when I relocated to Roanoke.
The leaders and founder have multiple sclerosis (MS) themselves, but volunteer
Tirelessly to educate the public about MS and to help those of us with MS
Maneuver the trappings of MS.”
Little did she know just how much her words would move people to pay it forward? What
started as a goal of $200 was quickly surpassed. Before she knew it, that number crept past
$400. Then… $600. Her personal story of perseverance inspired friends and family to donate a
grand total of $760.
“I haven’t been able to volunteer or participate in any of the group’s events;
However, they continue to include me by sending cards or calling. I love and
Respect these men and women.”
Written by Jessica Wauhop & Ashley Ross