PERSEVERANCE=A Real Hero: Lauren Zaccaro...working on a NASA project:
"To look at her, you would never guess she has been drafted into a fierce battle for which no one would volunteer - a battle where health, well being and independence are at stake. Young, attractive, fit and a successful engineer, Lauren Zaccaro hardly fits the typical description of a woman living with chronic illness. The five-foot, seven-inch blonde looks more like a competitive athlete than someone battling daily the potentially debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Two years ago, while still enrolled at the University of Hartford, Zaccaro, now a systems engineer with Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems, began experiencing difficulties with her vision. In the midst of finals she noticed an annoying spot in her right eye.

"I thought something had gotten on my contact," said the Ledyard, Conn. native who now lives in Colchester, Conn. "I went back to my dorm room, removed my contacts only to discover the blur spot was still there."

Zaccaro scheduled an appointment with her optometrist, who upon examination referred her to a neurologist. A series of tests, including a painful spinal tap, confirmed she had multiple sclerosis.

"Although initially I was somewhat shocked at the diagnosis, I'm thankful that I'm not facing something even worse," said Zaccaro, who is currently working on a NASA project to remove water and carbon dioxide from the air while maintaining proper cabin pressure and temperature for astronauts in space on a future space vehicle. "I feel fortunate. The effects of multiple sclerosis aren't keeping me from pursuing my dreams or keeping me from enjoying my favorite activities."

Despite symptoms that include ongoing vision problems, occasional leg and arm pain and some numbness and tingling in her extremities, Zaccaro, determined to fight back, signed up in the summer of 2005 to cycle in the National MS Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter Mohegan Sun MS Bike Tour - a two-day tour winding through southeastern Connecticut's breathtaking shoreline and blossom-covered countryside.

Zaccaro, who could have chosen to cycle as few as 50 miles over two days, successfully completed a 150-mile route. If that wasn't enough of a feat, particularly for someone warring with the unpredictable effects of multiple sclerosis, Zaccaro went on to raise an amazing $10,000, making her the event's top fundraiser.

"Lauren inspires me and many others with the courage she possesses in the face of adversity and her understanding that even she alone can make a significant difference in the fight against multiple sclerosis," said Amanda Saccuzzo, development coordinator and event coordinator. "Lauren's willingness to step out and speak up and her fundraising efforts are going far to help bring us close to finding a cause and a cure for what has proven to be a formidable foe - multiple sclerosis. Her confidence and optimism is contagious.""MORE