Today is World MS Day. The NC chapters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society are honoring the occasion with an advocacy day. Today is a day to contact elected officials and be one of the 1000 Faces of MS, personalizing what it means to live with or be affected by MS.
Here’s my story:
I am a married mother of 2 small boys who was laid off from work earlier this year. I've been fortunate enough to have insurance that covered all of the expenses associated with MS, such as MRIs, frequent medical appointments, IV infusions, and numerous medicines. But once my COBRA runs out, I'll be faced with the horrible dilemma of not being able to afford insurance, or not being able to get the treatment I need to function. Trying to find work with MS is a struggle, since some people equate trouble walking with trouble getting any job done during the day (even a sedentary one). This face of MS knows I have a lot to contribute, as a mom and an IT professional with a master's degree and multiple certifications. Like so many people with MS, I don't want a handout - I just want a chance. People with MS can still live and thrive, if they have the access to the medical care and medicines. During the 10 years since my diagnosis, there has been so much progress in treatment options...but there's still so far to go. MS strikes people in the prime of life, when they still have so much to offer. Supporting MS research and treatment options is an investment in a vital part of the population that has a lot to contribute. I am one of the "1000 Faces of MS" and this is what living with MS means me.
