MSA Awareness Shoe-Float
Is there a parade, festival or public art event in your town? Do Your Part, Host the MSA Shoe Float!
A Journey of Hope Fueled by Love
The Defeat MSA Awareness Shoe and the much larger Shoe Float aren't just a symbols; they are testaments to the power of friendship and the enduring spirit of Pearl Turner. What began as a playful prank among friends has blossomed into a global movement, all in honor of Pearl, who bravely faced Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).
It started with a simple act of mischief: a group of friends playfully “kidnapped” Tim’s shoe while he slept. They created a Facebook page, documenting the shoe’s whimsical travels around the neighborhood, ending up in the strangest of places and in the company of different people. Little did they know, this lighthearted prank would soon take on a profound meaning.
When Pearl’s daughter, Gretchen, shared the Facebook page with her mom, Pearl, battling the devastating effects of MSA, laughed for the first time in months. This moment sparked a realization: this simple act could become a powerful tool for raising awareness about a disease that often goes overlooked.
MSA is a rare and rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disorder, similar to ALS but often more aggressive. It robs individuals of basic bodily functions, impacting blood pressure, heart rate, bladder control, speech, and mobility. Life expectancy is typically 5-10 years, and currently, there is no cure.
After Pearl’s passing, her friends, along with Tim, transformed the prank into a mission. They created the MSA Awareness Shoe to honor Pearl’s memory and to illuminate the realities of MSA. Today, seven official MSA Shoes, each representing a continent, “Move for MSA” across the globe, visiting iconic landmarks and rubbing shoulders with notable figures. Then in 2024, some ingenious Detroiters built a super-sized Shoe Float! As of 2026, the float sculpture has appeared in parades and art festivals, raising awareness and moving for MSA, wherever it goes. Now, there are plans for it to go on the road - to Europe, Australia and New Zealand!
“Our Shoe,” as it’s affectionately known, has become a conversation starter, a symbol of hope, and a vehicle for change. This extraordinary journey raises vital awareness about MSA, fosters support for patients and caregivers, and raises crucial funds for research.
HELP US MOVE FOR MSA BY HOSTING THE BIG SHOE FLOAT IN YOUR TOWN!
What is the MSA Awareness Float?
The MSA Awareness Shoe Float is a powerful visual tribute that symbolizes both movement and loss. Fabricated from steel, chicken wire and newspapers (paper mâché), the BIG SHOE float is a very large replica of the normal sized MSA Awareness Shoe. Displayed at fitness events and awareness campaigns, the float captures attention, sparks conversation, and unites communities in a shared mission—to raise awareness, to #MOVEFORMSA toward the cure for MSA forever!
Remembering Kerry Simon
Thousands of people have around the world have lost loved ones to Multiple System Atrophy.
Sadly, one such man, was Rock-N-Roll Chef Kerry Glen Simon (June 17, 1955 – September 11, 2015). Kerry Simon was an American celebrity chef, Iron Chef winner and restaurateur based in Las Vegas. Left: Kerry poses with the MSA Shoe.
The MSA community will always remember Kerry fondly. He was a gentle, talented and passionate individual and will continue to be greatly missed. Kerry was a heroic witness to the tragedy of MSA. We are indebted to him for his efforts to raise awareness, crucial research funds and for giving a public voice to our cause.
