LIVING WITH MS
ROCKIN’ MOMS Two women share their experience with marathons, motherhood & MS Raising children is hard enough. Add multiple sclerosis to the mix and then you’ve really got your hands full.
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Jo Powell recalls her diagnosis, “I thought my chances of seeing the world and having a family were gone forever.” Marilee Foley agrees, “I thought my life was over and I went into a deep depression for awhile.”
However, neither woman has taken their MS diagnosis lying down. Instead, they decided to lace up. Marilee, diagnosed in 2003, splits her time between her five children, aged 10-22, and training. Before her diagnosis, she qualified for the Boston Marathon 5 times. Despite debilitating headaches, visual impairment and extreme fatigue, Marliee has competed in over 25 events in the past 5 years. Marilee reasons “Being a mother has helped me stay alive and fight. My children have been an anchor, keeping me focused on my true meaning and commitment.” Jo, a new mom this year, was diagnosed in 2005 and got into endurance events with her first sprint triathlon in 2009. Staying active is what it’s all about, Jo asserts, “I never would have attempted these events prior to my diagnosis, but they have changed my life. I have met lifelong friends and developed a new sense of self confidence.” Motherhood and MS pack a powerful punch. Though MS symptoms usually disappear during pregnancy, Jo exclaims “I didn’t experience the ‘break’ from MS. I still had numbness and
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“I’m in the fight of my life. Continuing to be an athlete is my way of fighting back at this disease.”
tingling, leg weakness and fatigue.” Marilee concurs, “It hasn’t made motherhood easier. But it has allowed me to become more patient and empathetic.” That is why both women are so motivated. “I race to show the world that although I am living with MS it will not define who I am and what I can accomplish. If I have to hobble across the finish line, I will,” says Jo. Adds Marilee, “I’m in the fight of my life. Continuing to be an athlete is my way of fighting back at this disease.” And being moms has only deepened their drive: “I want to show my daughter that you can be and do anything you put your mind to regardless of what ailment or disability you may have,” concludes Jo. Marilee agrees, “The one great thing about living with MS and having children is that it has provided the opportunity to teach them how important it is to give back and help others. They have helped raise money and participated in events to support the cause. This is a crucial lesson for all children and people.”