Barbara Brave is an Active MS Patient

Barbara Brave, whom I had the honor of interviewing for the February 2009 issue of New Mobility, has been living with multiple sclerosis for the past 14 years. Previously residing in Roanoke, Virginia, she moved back to New Jersey about eight years ago to be close to family members after experiencing an acute attack that required extensive rehabilitation.

Barbara now resides at the Bergen Regional Medical Center in Paramus and she relishes her close-knit family as well as the new friends she’s made there. “I like to tell other residents that I’m ‘moving with motivation’ or I’m ‘exhilaratingly energetic’ to brighten their days,” she says.

Barbara also stays active with the National MS Society’s NJ Metro Chapter by putting together and sending their mailings at their local office. The chapter makes a big effort to employ medical center residents in volunteer positions, and transports them to and from functions. Recently Barbara participated in a Metro Chapter fashion show, part of an annual fundraiser that is known as the Women on the Move Luncheon. She was the only model to display her fashions from her wheelchair. “It was a grand and glorious day,” says Barbara. “I modeled one outfit and jewelry and I went slowly around the perimeter of the runway.”

Barbara reveals her sources of motivation to keep active and enthusiastic: “I have a wonderful family and a group of friends I can rely upon.”

5 comments

  • great story! Ya know I love to see stories like this. I haven’t found too many lately. Maybe I’m too preoccupied with facebook !

  • Jen

    Barbara was awesome. I actually saw her speak probably two weeks before her interview at a chapter meeting. David “Squiggy” Lander was there, too. Barbara had a very calm, sweet disposition and she was so eager to be interviewed for the magazine. She doesn’t go online yet (she wants to learn more about it), but she wanted to be included here on the website too. I really enjoy doing the profiles and I’ve met some interesting people.

    I agree with the Facebook….

  • This is great to read. I personally don’t get involved in many chapter meetings as most of the topics haven’t interested me yet. Thanks for sharing Barbara’s story! 🙂

  • Jen

    This was a merging of two of our state’s chapters into one big one. And Squiggy was the guest speaker! Lanette: I got to TOUCH Squiggy and have him sign my copy of his book! LOL…

    Hope to chat with you tonight…

    Jen

  • Mary

    Jen, I love reading your stuff.
    Call your mother. She needs to hear from you!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *