Just over six years ago, the Schiller family’s lives changed forever. Mike Schiller was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a diagnosis that has affected the entire family, including Mike’s brother, David Schiller.

Mike, who has since become very active with the National MS Society, participates in the annual MS Walk at the old Husky Stadium.

“He was always very active,” said David. “We played basketball at the JCC and have been involved in the MS Walk and raised lots of money over the years.”

This year, David decided to do something different, and out of both brothers’ love for the game of basketball came his idea — shooting 1,000 free throws for the cause. On Saturday, Jan. 12, he’ll step up to the line at the JCC court to do just that.

“This year, I felt like this was something good to do to raise awareness and money,” said David. “I picked basketball because he loves it, my nephew loves it and he (David’s brother), gets around pretty well, but he can’t play the way he wants to.”

David said free throws made sense to him because the free-throw line is also called the charity line, so this would be putting a literal spin on the name. David hit his fundraising goal of $2,000, but expects to raise a bit more as some pledges continue to come in.

“I’m kind of hoping for 3.5 hours,” said David about how long he expects the adventure to take. “If you ask my friends, they’ll say a week and a half. My friends and family are going to be rebounding for me, which will save some time.”

Though he plays regularly, David said playing and warming up with a few throws is going to be different than 1,000.

“I feel pretty good,” he said.

Schiller will begin shooting free throws at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at the gym at the JCC. The public is welcome to drop by, donate and cheer him on.

To donate to Schiller or to learn more about MS, visit his fundraising site.