"Rest in Peace Annette Funicello, - America's Original Mousketeer"

As many of you may know, Annette Funicello became one of America's heartthrobs when she joined the "Mickey Mouse Club" in the 1950's. She also starred along popular actor, Frankie Avalon in many "beach party" films. She was 70 years old and had a long fight with multiple sclerosis (ms), a degenerative that attacks the myelin sheath that protects the nervous system and spinal cord. Many people with ms could ultimately become paralyzed after years of battling with the disease. There are a variety of steroid treatments that help control the disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure for ms. Funicello set up a foundation that collected funds for people with ms and to assist in finding a cure. I'll never forget watching the Annette Funicello story and her struggle on Lifetime. In the movie, she showed an amazing strength and chose to fight instead of giving up. Not only was she strong, she was beautiful. Rest in peace Anette, you put up a fight for 25 years. In that time, you have not only helped yourself, but many others suffering from ms. America will never forget you!