As a writer I research a lot of events, places and different life styles for my stories. But when my sister was diagnosed with MS my research took on a whole new meaning.
I searched the web for anything that would make her life easier. New therapies, drug trials, life aids that would make tasks simpler but nothing prepared me for the day I realized I couldn’t buy something to make this go away.

MS is a life long disease. It effects the person diagnosed and their family. My sister was diagnosed in 2006. She has always been a very strong and independent person, and still is, just with a few modifications. We realized a few months ago that it was getting harder for her to stay on her own. Her leg was getting weaker and the effects on her arm made simple tasks like getting dressed more difficult by the day. We made a family decision, and my sister made a difficult journey from being on her own to living with me. I know how hard that was for her and I admire her for what she goes through everyday.
We did learn one thing very quickly, with MS many things change and a lot of them are invisable. Unlike other diseases, or injuries, most people do not understand MS and its effects. Many are misinformed so here are a few things I came to understand to better help my sister with her changing life.
First and most important, Everyday will be different.
Everything will take longer and don’t try to help unless you’re asked.
MS might slow her down but she wants to hold on to every bit of independance she can and attempt to finish what she starts.
Some days she will be up and able to get around, others she will not be able to get out of bed.
Her life revolves around crutches, canes, braces, physical therapy and numerious medications, but that doesn’t change who she is. The devices, and medication, allow her to be able to walk as long as she can.
I feel blessed because I get to spend everyday with my sister, for that I am thankful.
I will cntinue to do research to find what I can to help her. But I will also do everything I can to raise awareness, and support for MS research.
Everyday gets us one day closer to a new drug to make her life a little easier, and one day closer to a cure.
I am going to continue to do what I can to make her life easier, because she makes mine so much better.
Thank you for stopping by. Next week we will discuss what therapies my sister has tried and what ones she would love to if her doctor would approve.
Until next time,
Lynda