Rachael's World: March 2008

Imagine waking up one morning and not being able to see. Imagine having a conversation with a loved one and not remembering any of it. Imagine not being able to get out of bed because your legs wont allow you to. Imagine being scared to death, not understanding what is happening to your body. These are just some of the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) before medication. Once medication starts there are a whole new list of symptoms. Treatment usually includes an injection, which is very painful. Some days you are fine, then there are those days when it takes everything you have to get out of bed. MS is usually diagnosed between the ages 20-50. There is no cure. Researchers have made many advances in finding a cure, but they aren't quite there yet.

I wanted to write about MS because I know three people, who are close to me, that have MS. One is a friend. The other two are my cousins, they are sisters. Kiley was diagnosed in December of 2003 and Jen in July of 2007. When Jen was diagnosed, my aunt asked the doctor if this was genetic. The doctor responded that it was not to his knowledge. I have so much respect for Kiley and Jen because they are both so strong. They are not letting this horrible disease beat them.

Kiley and Jen walk in the MS walk every year. The MS walk raises money to help find a cure. Here is a link to their websites:

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Walk/NYRWalkEvents?px=1903947&pg=personal&fr_id=8530&s_tafId=41582

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Walk/NYRWalkEvents?team_id=99286&pg=team&fr_id=8530&s_tafId=41582

I have posted pictures below of Jen and her boyfriend Casey, Kiley and her husband Anthony, and their three children: Marina, Ryan, and Gino.

Jen and Casey