MS Strength

This is the last interview for New Mobility’s “MS Life” column. I became its columnist this past January, as it began to be published every other month. A new column for non spinal cord injuries will be coming, which will also include MS profiles and information. I’m looking forward to contributing to this new feature. For a look at the last column in its entirety, visit New Mobility’s website . I had the good fortune of profiling Cathy, from Navigating the Journey of MS, who proved to be a genuine example of MS strength:

When diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2004, Cathy, 46, soon found herself in a difficult position: she was failing to see results from two of the disease-modifying medications. Her condition rapidly worsened until she began Tysabri, the once-monthly infusion. With much success, Cathy was able to increase her strength and make great strides within six months of the Tysabri treatment. This sparked the interest of Biogen—Tysabri’s creators— who asked Cathy to become a patient advocate and share her MS story. “I make motivational speeches at Tysabri functions across the state of Wisconsin, where I now live,” she says.

Having a former career in sales, Cathy was also prompted to start her own online MS store, The MS Shoppe. With the help of a marketing company and an attorney, she and her husband now sell MS-related assistive devices, clothing, and novelty items. “I hired a company to teach me and I have 90% control (over the company) except when I get stuck and they jump in and help me,” Cathy says.

Cathy identifies the source for her continual inspiration: her husband. She confesses that he has always been there for her during their 21-year marriage and now so more than ever. Cathy says, “My husband inspires me. He is the only person who has completely been there for me in my life. He has been my rock and has kept me grounded and motivated.”

Visit Cathy’s MS store at www.themsshoppe.com.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Diane J Standiford for part of New Mobility magazine’s MS Life column. The page is essentially for those with moderate to progressive MS, who are encountering new paths of mobility. I quickly thought of Diane and wanted to interview her, since she has a great deal of multiple sclerosis experience and she also has a GREAT attitude. She’s hilarious, straight-to-the-point, and yet serious and full of compassion. The following is the unedited version of the profile, which was published in the June issue. The piece is a quick shot: roughly 225 words. It doesn’t always do the candidate justice, and so there is consideration for doing a feature article about Diane’s assisted living experience next year:

Diane J Standiford was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1990, and she was able to remain in the outside workforce nearly 14 years following that day. Working for the city of Seattle, she had her first serious relapse during her first week on the job. Although frustrating, she persevered and continued to live in an independent apartment with her partner. Says Diane: “My first serious symptoms started my first week at my new job. I was out in the workforce for 18 years until retirement, full-time, with lots of overtime. At one point I telecommuted several days a week.” Diane retired from her job in 2004.

On the home front, Diane and her partner of nearly 3o years have contended with a life of challenges together. Both have been using power chairs for some time; Diane for her MS and her partner for several progressive, chronic conditions of her own. “I’ve been her caregiver, then she mine, and we’ve usually taken turns, by fate and not by choice,” says Diane.

A bend in the road came this past year, when Diane and her partner found themselves needing to move to an assisted living facility: a once manageable life had become increasingly difficult. Settling in, Diane has now found camaraderie with her neighbors and finds herself reading, playing pool, and participating in group activities. Her response to the move: “Keep your sense of humor and consider the move an adventure.”

Diane has a multiple sclerosis blog, A Stellar Life, where she records her personal journey and comments on news items of the day. She is currently working on WALKING, which is absolutely amazing and a testament that a great deal is possible, if a person sets her mind to it.

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.”