Turning Pain into Purpose: Ashley Schneider’s Coast-to-Coast Mission for MS Awareness

Turning Pain into Purpose: Ashley Schneider’s Coast-to-Coast Mission for MS Awareness

From Free Thinking with Montel by Montel Williams

December 30, 2025 · 34 min · Episode 139

About this episode

Ashley Schneider shares her journey of raising awareness for multiple sclerosis through her coast-to-coast run and community initiatives.

In this inspiring episode of Free Thinking with Montel, we sit down with Ashley Schneider, the powerhouse behind MS Run the US, Inc., and author of the new memoir The Long Run Home. Ashley’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and turning personal pain into a movement that has raised over $4 million for multiple sclerosis awareness, aid, and research. Ashley shares her deeply personal connection to MS through her mother, Jill, whose battle with the disease inspired Ashley’s extraordinary 2010 solo run across America—3,288 miles from California to New York. She opens up about the physical and emotional challenges of that journey, the moments of humanity and kindness that kept her going, and how Montel’s early support gave her mission the visibility it needed to grow. We also explore how Ashley transformed her initial disappointment in fundraising into the creation of America’s Longest Relay Run, a coast-to-coast event that has united runners and supporters for over 13 years. Ashley’s story is a testament to the power of daring to begin, leading with vulnerability, and building a community that uplifts those living with MS. Tune in to hear Ashley’s insights on navigating grief…

People in this episode

Host: Montel Williams

Guest: Ashley Schneider

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: MS Run the US, Inc.

Books & works: The Long Run Home

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