Article for March, 2006

Living with MS

By A. Marie Johnson, MHS

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society notes that over 400,000 people in the US have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is a debilitating neurological disorder that most frequently strikes people in the prime of their lives, between the ages of 20 and 50, like Tamia, the wife of pro basketball player, Grant Hill. Every hour someone learns they have MS, which can affect one's ability to speak properly, walk normally, or see clearly, like comedian, Richard Pryor. The emotional impact this disease has can make a strong, athletic, military man, like Montel Williams literally cry out for help.

Studies have found that women are three times more likely than men to develop MS. Although MS occurs less frequently in African-Americans than in Caucasians, African-Americans tend to have more aggressive forms of MS. However, the reason why remains a mystery just as it is unclear as to what is the exact cause of MS.

With this in mind, I was extremely inspired and felt it was important to reach out to educate others about MS because early diagnosis and emotional well-being play an important role when dealing with this disease. My life with MS has been used to educate and help others, especially young African-American women, to let them know they are not alone. Also, to let them know, they are, as I like to say, "one of many." Currently, my story is featured in Biogen Idec patients' support DVD, which is a training kit that offers support and information on MS to the newly diagnosed and health care professionals. When I'm not working as an inspirational speaker, support group facilitator, and peer counselor, I'm working with adults diagnosed with mental retardation and developmental disabilities as an advocate.

Read the rest of this month's article, "Living with MS"

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Current as of March 2006