Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I’ve been very busy freaking people out with my clown costume, watching horror flicks, enjoying the beautiful autumn leaves and crisper temperatures, and making more “homestyle food.” Hope this post finds YOU well and in a lighter mood: the term “Laughter is the best medicine” is a cliche for a reason— it’s absolutely true and it never changes. Try to put the MS up on a shelf for a while and take the time to enjoy thisspooooooooky season…….I know I am!!
It’s been a bit of a crazy week here at the Jersey shore, and so I’m posting a catch-all of latest news. Hope this finds you well and happy:
Joan’s Next MS Chat Room Session: This Friday, Oct 23rd
Come enjoy a Halloween party with Joan and her fellow chatters. The session is from 7 – 9pm, Eastern Standard Time. All are welcome, and more info and login instructions are available at her blogA Short in the Cord……… Joan’s chat is THE BEST!!
Glenn Close’s Mental Health Website
I learned about this site just this morning, as actress Glenn Close and her sister Jessie told of Jessie’s long battle with bipolar disorder on ABC-TV’s The View. Having struggled with depression since multiple sclerosis altered my life course, I am a HUGE advocate for mental health and bringing knowledge to the forefront. So many people hide their emotional problems because of embarrassment/shame, misunderstanding, and doubt. I seek the ongoing help of a social worker and a psychiatrist— I take an antidepressant— and I want to pass this helpful site on to you and anyone else you might know who is afflicted by emotional illness. There’s help and support:www.bringchange2mind.org
MS Strength has Reached its (First) Goal of $100 in Ad Revenue
It’s taken over a year, but MS Strength has reached the $100 threshold needed for Google to pay out ad revenue. 100% of the profits will be donated to the National MS Society (the U.S.), who has a high priority of using funds towards MS research. The thermometer is set back to $0, and the next donation will be made at the next $100 threshold. Thanks to those who helped the thermometer rise; it feels great to take this money and donate it to our MS cause. A future post will tell about the actual donation, as I am currently waiting for Google’s check.
A New Website for MSers Which Chronicles 5 Patients’ Journeys and Distributes Information about Disease-Modifying MS Medications
I, along with 4 other MS webwriters ( Lisa, Julie, Kimberly, and Bill) have been hired to video blog our multiple sclerosis stories—along with personal journal entries— at a new website sponsored by EMD Serono, a maker of one of the current disease-modifying MS medications and a future MS medication. The site focuses on our stories and it also provides drug information to those who subscribe. As a HUGE advocate for newly-diagnosed patients learning about and trying disease-modifying medications, I’m proud to have been tapped and I feel myself helping others to weigh their medication options, no matter what the brand and the final decision. Thanks, EMD Serono, for allowing the 5 of us to accomplish this: www.howifightms.info
A Local Piece of News About Officials “Spinning Wheels for a Day”
This story caught my eye— I found it at the Nat’l MS Society’s FB page. Interesting, and it gives those in charge a chance to see what others with adaptive devices must navigate on a daily basis. I doff my hat to you, fellow resident Jackie Jackson:The Star Ledger’s Oct 15th Middlesex County News
I’ve found a helpful link on the National MS Society’s Facebook page and I want to pass it along. This website— VolunteerMatch.org— links volunteer hopefuls with opportunities with the National MS Society (the U.S.) as well as with many other organizations. Since I’ve been exploring more volunteer opps to get me out of the house, I found this site to be very useful. I even located some opportunities at my closest MS Society chapter. Have a look….
