Eye Exam Leads to New Focus on Successful Drug Therapy by LESLIE MARTONE My story begins about five years ago when my visit to an eye doctor was more than what was expected. Through a series of referrals to specialists, I learned I had optic neuritis, commonly found in MS patients. Only months later, the diagnosis was confirmed by my neurologist.
I’m excited for what my future holds. I have many more active years ahead of me with my two boys and husband.
We hit the ground running. I began to learn about what drug therapies cost and the efforts that millions of people take to help raise money to fund research. Almost immediately, I was approached for a two-year study with one of the drug therapies. After the research study was finished, I remained on the medicine, but found it was not doing what I expected in stopping my disease progression. I had a number of flare-ups and began researching Tysabri. I have now been on Tysabri a little more than 18 months and am in full remission, as confirmed with the discovery of no new or active lesions by a neurologist. I know that, with drug therapy and support of my family and friends, I can beat MS. My friends and family have always supported me by raising funds and riding in the Bike MS events for the entirety of my illness. I’m excited for what my future holds. I have many more active years ahead of me with my two boys and husband. We will always support the fundraising and research for finding a cure for MS.
Leslie and her husband have raised more than $4,000 during the last two years to support more research to find a cure for multiple sclerosis. A Milestone Report on Progress in Fiscal Year 2009
13