David also uses his own life experiences as a single father of two children and his many years of coping with Primary Progressive MS to provide compassionate help to others.

During his 14 years as a volunteer, David has worked with many clients with a variety of problems and concerns.  Because of his background and experience, volunteer managers feel comfortable asking David to call people in difficult circumstances or in the middle of emotional crises.  His most interesting relationship, though, is with another single father who David has been speaking with for over 13 years.  Even when the client moved out of state, David has continued to call, with few exceptions, every two weeks.  “We’ve got a lot in common,” David explains.  “I’ve heard about his kids as they’ve grown up, and he always asks after my kids, Josh and Kailin.”  Sometimes they talk about politics.  “We bash Republicans together,” David confides with a smile, “one of my favorite things to do.”

David also enthusiastically volunteered to host a pilot “community gathering” project in his home in 2005 as part of the MSA’s educational programs.  The group of local people with MS in David’s neighborhood continued to meet on their own after MSA staff moved on to other projects, and the idea would never have taken off without the positive support of David and his daughter Kailin, who has also volunteered with the MSA.

The MSA is truly fortunate to have someone like David Zeigen on our service team, as is the MS community.

If you would be interested in volunteering for the MSA, or would like to learn more about the program, contact Gregg Robinson at 206-633-2606 or email him at greggrob@msakc.org.