On July 08, 2008 I was diagnosed with MS but had no idea
what that meant. It is a hugely misunderstood disease, but a really awesome
lady, McCall Teicher, is working hard to change that. Her
efforts to raise MS awareness have really inspired me to speak up. Since 2009 I
have participated in the MS Walk with my team, the Cure Crusaders. We have
raised over $6000 so far and, with the help of incredibly supportive friends
and family, we are still going! But, as a whole, I don’t talk about my MS with
many people.
I’ve decided that’s not the way to help.
I have a responsibility to
talk about it so that it’s not such a mystery. For me MS is many different things,
depending on the day. Mostly I am more fatigued than I’ve ever been in my life
every day now. It’s a total body tired that makes brushing my teeth a real
chore some days. When I was diagnosed I was blind in my left eye, and
thankfully that sight has returned. I have Relapsing Remitting MS, which means
I have some symptoms all the time, but during a relapse I develop new or worsening
symptoms.
Writing is my outlet and
some days the MS brain fog won’t let me write. Other days I feel better, and
with the help of my amazing twitter buddies, get some serious words down! Each
week in March I will post something new about MS and what it means to carry it
around every day.
A few MS Facts:
-Approximately 2.5 million
people worldwide have MS, 400,000 in the US.
-No two people have the
same exact MS experience.
-There is currently no cure for MS.
-The
body’s own defense system attacks myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds and protects the
nerve fibers in the central nervous system.
-More than twice as many women as men have MS.
 |
| Source |
I'm so glad you decided to share this Lillie. Know that we are here anytime you need us!
ReplyDeleteStay strong and positive. You ROCK!
*HUGS*
Anytime you need someone to talk to, i'm a good listener. And I second what Angie said, you ROCK.
ReplyDeleteLillie, this is beautifully written. Thank you for sharing. All the Noinklings and Friends stand behind you, pretty lady!
ReplyDeleteI am also very glad that you shared this, not only with those of us who have already know you as a giving giving giving person in the writing/twitter community, but also with the those people who have yet to discover just how special you are. We all agree I think #lilliemcferrinrocks !
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! I have heard of MS but I don't know a lot about it. I look forward to your posts. Just remember, you have a HUGE writing community behind you that loves you :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Lillie! I only know very little about MS, but I have a bit more understanding now that you posted some interesting facts.
ReplyDeleteYou always have a friend to talk to if you need it. :)
Thank you so much for all of the support. You guys really truly rock :)
ReplyDeleteLillie - thank you for speaking up. I know it's not as simple to share about MS as it should be & takes courage. Keep sending the message, you're doing great!
ReplyDelete