Movement of Sound for MS
Billy's Lounge, Grand Rapids
Nov. 22, 12-8 p.m.
18+, $10

In August 2008, Anna Fisk's speech started slurring and the right side of her body was paralyzed to the point where she couldn't write.

At 26, she knew she was too young to suffer a stroke, but there were obvious signs that something was wrong. Fisk went to the doctor, where she had two spinal taps that, according to her, "hurt like a bitch."

Tests concluded that Fisk has multiple sclerosis, a disease that affects the ability of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to communicate with each other.

"It's a legion on your brain," Fisk said. "Your body fights to make new connections around the blemish."

Since her diagnosis, Fisk has been adjusting to the effects of MS. She says it affects her physically (walking, fatigue), or cognitively (slurring speech, forgetting words).

"I never know that I don't have it; it's always there...It can strike at any moment."

During the time of Fisk's diagnosis, her best friend, Lindsay Boersma, put together a benefit in a short amount of time. The benefit was created in order to help Fisk, who was uninsured, pay for her medical bills. This year, Fisk wants to "pay it forward," and has created Movement of Sound, an all-day event featuring 10 local bands, auctions and raffles for local art, t-shirts and gift cards.

"I wanted [the benefit] to appeal to a large range of people, especially younger people," Fisk said. "I feel that younger people want something to be their cause."

Since Fisk announced the event, members of the community have rallied behind her, and her cause.

"I'd say the thing I like - a and respect - about Anna the most is that she took a wonderful idea that was geared toward helping her and made it so it was for the whole community. She is a caring, selfless person," said Nic Morgan from Four for Smoking, who, along with the rest of his band, played at the Boersma's original event.

When Fisk started planning the event, she knew she wanted multiple local bands to play, but most importantly, she wanted LaFamigla to play.

"I was going to get them. I didn't know how, but I was going to do it," said Fisk, who also said, "when I do things, I do things big."

For the event, Fisk has a goal of raising $10,000 for the Michigan chapter of the MS Society, and believes she can do it. Currently, there are 191 people confirmed to attend on the event's Facebook page. It looks like Fisk is on her way.