The past year has been full of ups and downs for Tampa Bay Lightning national anthem singer Sonya Bryson-Kirksey. Whenever you see her on TV or at Amalie Arena, you see the smile and big energy she brings when she delivers her powerful rendition of The Star Spangled Banner. But when she got COVID-19 last year, she was hospitalized. For weeks she was unable to get comfort from her husband Jimmy. Lightning fans were fearing the worst but hoping for the best. She pulled through and it was an emotional night for everyone at Amalie Arena when Sonya was able to perform the national anthem on opening night this season.
Since then, Sonya has continued her work to fight multiple sclerosis. This Saturday, Walk MS Tampa Bay at Al Lopez Park in Tampa is your chance to meet Sonya and help her win the fight. It’s personal to her. She has MS herself. Sonya will perform the national anthem and then walk with her team “Puck MS” to hopefully raise $10,000. She’s not at the halfway point yet, so she could really use your help. That can be by walking, donating… or even just sharing this chat I had with her this morning.
Hear more about Walk MS (1:21) on the Experience Tampa Bay in 10 Minutes or Less podcast. Discover Riveters in Tampa (5:54) and a spin on an Alice in Wonderland tea party, but for adults (3:57).
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Written & Photo by Geno Knight
Produced by Micaela Figueroa