Sometimes, the most profound changes begin with the simplest of acts, a quiet intention sent out into the world. Think of a pebble dropped into still water. The initial splash is small, almost insignificant, yet it initiates a series of ever-widening circles, each one a result of that first, small action.

Consider the story of Sylvia Lawry. In 1945, faced with the devastating diagnosis of her brother’s multiple sclerosis, Sylvia took action. She placed an eleven-word letter in The New York Times. It simply asked if there were others grappling with this little-understood disease.

Eleven words. That was all it took to ignite a spark.

The response was overwhelming. Letters poured in, a testament to the shared isolation and desperate need for connection felt by individuals and families touched by MS. From this initial ripple of eleven words grew something extraordinary: the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Sylvia Lawry’s action, seemingly small, created a cascade of positive change that continues to this day. The National MS Society has been instrumental in funding crucial research, raising awareness, and providing vital support to millions affected by MS worldwide. Her eleven words didn’t just find others; they built a movement, a community, a source of hope where once there was only uncertainty.

Sylvia’s story reminds us of the incredible power of our actions, no matter how small they may seem. We often underestimate the potential of a single gesture, a thoughtful word, a brave step forward. Just as those eleven words rippled out to become a global force for good, our own actions, fueled by compassion and a desire to make a difference, can create ripples we may never fully see.

What are your eleven words? What small act can you take today that might set in motion a wave of positive change in your own life, within your community, or even further? You might be surprised by the unseen power you possess, the profound impact that even the simplest intention can have.

Let Sylvia Lawry’s legacy inspire us to believe in the power of our own “eleven words,” whatever form they may take. The world is waiting for the ripples you will create.

Reference:

How an Ad Sparked a Movement, Leading to 80 Years of MS Progress. (n.d.). National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://www.nationalmssociety.org/news-and-magazine/momentum-magazine/making-a-difference/ad-to-80-years-ms-progress