Everyone has had something devastating happen to them. For me, it was my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis on Sept. 10, 2009. After multiple tests and doctors, I received answers to all my odd symptoms. MS can be incredibly scary and unpredictable. As the doctor started telling me about MS, I went into hysterics and was unreachable for days. I felt extremely overwhelmed and scared. Multiple sclerosis has given me new challenges and, despite my fear, has led me to meet amazing people and given me hope for the future. “You’re going to practice on an orange first?” I was astonished the nurse teaching us to give my injections was comparing my arm to an orange. Shots have always been one of my greatest fears. After being told about my weekly injections, I became bitter about it. I was relieved after my first shot went well. Then the side effects began. Muscle tightness, headaches, shaking, dizziness and light sensitivity left me dreading my shots. Fortunately, the side effects have reduced over time and are less intense. Aside from my shots, I have to deal with numerous other symptoms that vary from day to day. Since my last severe muscle spasm, I have lost the feeling in my feet and sometimes my body feels numb and tingly like it’s asleep. When I am angry or stressed, these sensations usually reoccur. I spend time every week at physical therapy undergoing muscle spasticity and pain treatments. I have a larger team of doctors than I ever imagined, but I am grateful for them. Aside from my other symptoms, MS has caused fatigue. Fatigue is a hard symptom for a busy
fundraisers. It is amazing how some people care enough to go out of their way to help another. People are surprised to hear I was diagnosed at age 15. Prior to my diagnosis, I was not well educated about the disease. The only knowledge I had was a memory of a character with MS in a book I read. Had I known more about the disease before my diagnosis, I would have been a more avid supporter. I feel one of the reasons I was given this disease is to spread awareness. I stand out because I am a child with MS and gain more attention because of the rarity. Often I feel people don’t take my disease seriously In May, Kelli received because I don’t another memorable honor. Her high school look sick and peers crowned her 2012 they don’t Prom Queen. She was understand MS. also voted “Most Likely I try to politely to Brighten Your Day.” educate them, Congratulations, Kelli! but feel that more people should already know what MS is. I try to spread awareness so that more burden on others and not only being people will have knowledge about the disease. unable to do the things I love, but While being diagnosed with keeping others from doing what MS was initially devastating and they love as well. is undesirable, it helped me meet MS has brought me its share amazing people and opened of obstacles. However, one thing I numerous opportunities. Having will never regret is meeting several MS led me to the Society and, after amazing people. After becoming witnessing the passion of those who involved with the National MS dedicate time to the organization, it Society, I was inspired by their gave me their passion as well. optimism. Countless people work My diagnosis has given me to ensure that people like me can hope, instead of bringing me down. live with encouragement and It has given me challenges, but I have without fear. I have become close gained a sense of purpose. I do not to Society staffers Alyssa Smith and regret being diagnosed with MS Tony Ralf, who are two of the most because it is worth the relationships extraordinary people. My friends I have formed and the stronger and family also support me by participating in National MS Society person I have become. events. Even some acquaintances support me and donate to my teenager to manage. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, tired and unable to do anything. Usually, I try to be optimistic. Yet occasionally, I find myself wondering what the future will hold. I wonder if one day I will be paralyzed or in a wheelchair. At times, I am afraid of becoming a
Moving Toward A World Free of MS
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