Why MS?

Alex Tanney is the Passing Game Coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts and a nine year NFL player veteran. As Alex was starting his NFL career, his sister-in-law, Julia was in the doctors' offices trying to figure out why some new symptoms were occurring and what was the cause. Shortly after those visits she was given the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Alex saw the impact of multiple sclerosis in his family and Julia's life, which is why he and his wife, Rebecca, started Tackle MS in 2018. The goal of Tackle MS has always been to use football to fight and bring awareness to multiple sclerosis. Alex, Rebecca, and their three boys, Gunnar, Wyatt and Barrett, have enjoyed bringing together the community of Monmouth and surrounding areas to help raise awareness for this cause along with raising charitable funds through generous donations.

As Alex was starting his NFL career, his sister-in-law, Julia was in the doctors' offices trying to figure out why some new symptoms were occurring and what was the cause. Shortly after those visits she was given the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Alex has seen the impact of multiple sclerosis in his family and Julia's life, and he hopes to use this event to support and bring awareness to the disease.

Julia's Story

Julia Tanney was diagnosed with MS in November 2012. Prior to her diagnosis, the mother of then 2 year-old twins was tired. She describes it as "the kind of tired when you can’t get up...even to catch a child running into harm's way" - and she knew something was wrong.

After several MRI's and neurology appointments, the MS diagnosis was official. Unfortunately, Julia was also diagnosed with "Primary Progressive" MS, a less common and more aggressive variety of the disease. Unlike "Relapsing Remitting" MS, Primary Progressive MS turns every day chores, such as walking to the mailbox, into incredibly challenging, sometimes insurmountable tasks. Although various medications claim to limit disease MS progression, there is no cure presently available.

Julia relies on diet and exercise to improve her symptoms and prognosis. She closely follows the work of Dr Terry Wahls, using “food as medicine,” to boost nutrition consumption by eating 9+ cups of vegetables daily. She also regularly swims to keep her muscles strong, while hoping, praying, and waiting for a cure.

Julia enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt, and their twin daughters, Lillian and Katelyn. She loves to read and cook. Julia is an active member of St. Boniface Catholic Church and School and enjoys attending Wabash College Athletics events.