Making MY mark against MS one step at a time.

Sheri4MS

Hello,

I just came across this website and am so excited. I set up and designed my own log last week, but this is going to be so much easier. Plus I will get the benefit of sharing with others.:happy:

I have always been fairly active and was shocked when I was diagnosed with Mutliple Sclerosis in 2001. The diagnosis gave me a sense of urgency to live each day to the fullest. In 2004 I took my activiness to a new level and started running. 4 years later I have completed 2 full marathons, 7 half marathons, numerous 10K's, 5K's and relays, 2 sprint triathlons and 2 MS 150 bicycle tours. I never dreamed I would do these things healthy, let alone as someone with MS.

In appreciation for how well I am doing and all the love and support I receive, I want to give back. I have been an active fundraiser and advocate for MS the past 5 years, as well as a mentor to other MS patients. Nothing brings me greater joy than offering hope to other MS patients and their families.

Most people are shocked to find out I have MS, I guess it is the whole judging a book by it's cover scenerio. My MS symptoms include numbing, tingling, tremors, muscle spasms, bouts of fatigue and insomnia. I live each day with the fear that tomorrow might be the day I awake unable to walk, talk, see or think clearly. But I refuse to let that fear control me, therefore my motto is "To live for Today with No Regrets, not to look back and say I wish I had done that, but I am glad I did."

"I believe the happiest people don't have the best of everything, they make the best of everything." I know staying as healthy and strong as I can is important. That, along with the appreciation that I still am mobile, motivates me to continue with my work outs. In also propels me to use events as an avenue to bring awareness to MS.

I find juggling a fulltime job, a 2 hour commute each day, my family responsibilities, my MS, my MS work and my work outs, leaves me little time to make healthy eating choices. In the next 6 months I will be training for 3 MS Bike Tours in Florida, Texas and North Dakota and a Half Marathon, I want to concentrate on eating healthier and re-fueling my body with the proper nutrients.

I am hopeful this website will provide me with the tools, information and support I need to help accomplish this.

Sheri4MS

Hello,

I just came across this website and am so excited. I set up and designed my own log last week, but this is going to be so much easier. Plus I will get the benefit of sharing with others.:happy:

I have always been fairly active and was shocked when I was diagnosed with Mutliple Sclerosis in 2001. The diagnosis gave me a sense of urgency to live each day to the fullest. In 2004 I took my activiness to a new level and started running. 4 years later I have completed 2 full marathons, 7 half marathons, numerous 10K's, 5K's and relays, 2 sprint triathlons and 2 MS 150 bicycle tours. I never dreamed I would do these things healthy, let alone as someone with MS.

In appreciation for how well I am doing and all the love and support I receive, I want to give back. I have been an active fundraiser and advocate for MS the past 5 years, as well as a mentor to other MS patients. Nothing brings me greater joy than offering hope to other MS patients and their families.

Most people are shocked to find out I have MS, I guess it is the whole judging a book by it's cover scenerio. My MS symptoms include numbing, tingling, tremors, muscle spasms, bouts of fatigue and insomnia. I live each day with the fear that tomorrow might be the day I awake unable to walk, talk, see or think clearly. But I refuse to let that fear control me, therefore my motto is "To live for Today with No Regrets, not to look back and say I wish I had done that, but I am glad I did."

"I believe the happiest people don't have the best of everything, they make the best of everything." I know staying as healthy and strong as I can is important. That, along with the appreciation that I still am mobile, motivates me to continue with my work outs. In also propels me to use events as an avenue to bring awareness to MS.

I find juggling a fulltime job, a 2 hour commute each day, my family responsibilities, my MS, my MS work and my work outs, leaves me little time to make healthy eating choices. In the next 6 months I will be training for 3 MS Bike Tours in Florida, Texas and North Dakota and a Half Marathon, I want to concentrate on eating healthier and re-fueling my body with the proper nutrients.

I am hopeful this website will provide me with the tools, information and support I need to help accomplish this.

renae77

Sorry to hear you have MS but you have a great head on your shoulders and sounds like you got your prioritys right. Good for you!! Keep on trying and enjoy this site because it is great! I have "met" some great people on here and they are so helpful and understanding and keep me motivated. My cousin-in-law also has MS but I am not sure how bad it is. I do know he can walk and talk and all that right now. You just keep on keeping on!!

Sheri4MS

Thanks for your encouraging words and sharing about your cousin. I hope he is doing well.:flowerforyou:

CataLinda

That's great! You are undoubtedly an inspiration to many! Keep it up!

Sheri4MS

Thanks

leeneemaui

HI there

Just read your intro! You are a STRONG woman.

Had my own MS scare almost a year ago...at least that was one of the things they thought it could have been....turned out negative but I am very sensitive to the subject with having an aunt who has it. Also, there is a high incidence of it in Saskatchewan where I am from.

I am very impressed with your intro and am pleased to have made your aquaintance through this site.

God's blessings on you and your efforts.

Sheri4MS

Thank you, I know how scary even hearing the words can be. The disease mirrors so many other things, so it can be hard to diagnose.

I am glad it was negative for you and that you are doing good. I am a firm believer that was does not kill you makes you stronger.

kmdougherty

I have done the MS Walk for the past 13 years for my aunt who is wheelchair bound from advanced MS...You have my complete support and sympathy and you are truly an inspiration

Phoenix_Rising

My uncle has been living with MS for 30 years.
My best friend's mother has MS.
A disease very near and dear to my heart.

Shannon023

Talk about making lemonade out of lemons!!

So glad you found this site! You're a great inspiration! :flowerforyou:

Sheri4MS

O.K. so the other day I found this card that said.

When life give you lemons,
Throw them at those annoying abnoxous people that make lemonade out of them".

OMG, I laughed so hard, I had to buy the card and hang it at my desk. As I know my glass half full approach to life, sometimes makes people crazy. But it is truly my survival and why I continue to beat the odds. So let them squeeze the juice and be sour

Thanks for all your great replies.

LauraSS

It is just so great to read your positivity flowing through your writing. I have MS on both sides of my family with one Aunt who has been wheelchair bound for 50 years and going strong because of her attitude, much like yours. She will be 88 this August.

My second cousin, my cousin's first daughter, was diagnosed 4 years ago and has been instrumental in working like you do for MS.

I contribute every year doing the Walk For MS in April and I am going to print out your story to show around. This kind of positivity needs to be everywhere.

Bless you and I love your Mantra.

Laura
Brougham, Ontario, Canada

A positive attitude creates will.
A negative attitude creates nil.

ashhills

That is amazing! Good for you. I have been doing the MS walk for the past....9 years?? Has it been that long? Wow. I began doing the walk when my mom was diagnosed. Since then I had a co-worker who was diagnosed while I worked with her. She was an avid jogger and would run everyday during her lunch. It was really upsetting when she had to stop because she kept falling down.
I also have a cousin who was diagnosed a few years ago. She is having a lot of trouble! She has trouble even getting around her house.

I am so happy for you that you can still do these things!