A Letter to a Friend: So You’ve Just been Diagnosed with MS…

Posted on March 24, 2025 by Courtney Merker

Dear Friend,

I’ve been thinking about you so much since you shared your recent diagnosis of MS. I know this probably feels like a lot – like the ground has shifted under your feet – and I wish I could be there in person to give you the biggest hug. Since I can’t, I wanted to write you this letter instead.

I don’t have all the answers (who does?), but I want to share a few things that I’ve come to learn about MS. Just remember, you are not alone. Not now, not ever. I am here for you, and so are your closest friends and family.

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Equilibrando la salud y la carrera: Perspectivas clave para personas recién diagnosticadas con EM

Posted on March 21, 2025 by Claudia Chavez

Un diagnóstico reciente de esclerosis múltiple (EM) puede ser alarmante, y tiene el potencial de alterar casi todos los aspectos de nuestra vida, incluyendo nuestra vida laboral y la estabilidad financiera. Los síntomas de la EM varían de una persona a otra, por lo que la experiencia de cada individuo es única. Un nuevo diagnóstico marca el inicio de un período de aprendizaje, adaptación y gestión a los cambios. Mientras que la salud se convierte en el centro de atención, es importante reconocer que muchos otros aspectos de la vida también se ven afectados. Con frecuencia surgen preocupaciones sobre la carrera profesional, la estabilidad laboral y la seguridad económica al intentar encontrar el equilibrio en esta realidad nueva e incierta.

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Balancing Health and Career: Key Insights for Those New to MS

Posted on March 21, 2025 by Claudia Chavez

A new diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) can be overwhelming, with the potential to disrupt nearly every aspect of our lives, including our career and financial stability. MS symptoms vary widely from person to person, so each individual’s experience can be unique. A new diagnosis marks the beginning of a period of learning, adjusting, and navigating changes. While health becomes the central focus, it’s important to recognize that many other aspects of life are also affected. Concerns about career, job stability, and financial security often arise as we try to find balance in this new and uncertain reality.

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A Love Letter to My Younger Self

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Emily

By: Emily Carlin

Understanding life with a chronic disease diagnosis is a long-term experience. For me, it took years to come to terms with the fact that I have MS. The journey was not easy but looking back I am proud of myself for how I handled that situation so early in my adulthood.

For some background, I was 23 when I was diagnosed with MS. Unfortunately, I am very familiar with how this condition can impact your life, as some of my family members have lived with MS for many years. To write this piece, I’m going to take you on a little journey with me. Join me as I take you back to the time when I was first diagnosed as I pretend to take myself out for coffee as the 35-year-old woman, wife, and mother I am now.

I asked my younger self out to coffee. She showed up with glowing skin, long hair, vibrant, and full of life. She was also well rested (darn, I was jealous of that, being I’m now a mom of two toddlers). She asked me how my day was going with a cheerful smile. I paused for a second, I looked right in her eyes and told her she was beautiful before I answered. I softly smiled, and told her my day was going well, but I had some things I’d like to share with her.

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MS Awareness Month Program Highlight: My MSAA Community

Posted on March 17, 2025 by MSAA

As we continue to highlight MS Awareness Month this March, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) remains dedicated to raising awareness of multiple sclerosis while also providing vital resources and support for the community. MSAA recognizes that this month is especially powerful for the MS community as we reflect on how far we’ve come, the challenges that remain, and the importance of supporting one another. In honor of this special time, MSAA would like to bring attention to the many free programs and services offered that are designed to improve the quality of life for those affected by MS. One of the many free tools MSAA provides is My MSAA Community, a peer-to-peer online forum for individuals with MS.

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Burdens Shared

Posted on March 14, 2025 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

March is MS awareness month, and it’s a good time to reflect on the lessons I’ve learned while navigating life with Multiple Sclerosis for 16 years. Of all of the lessons I’ve had to learn, the hardest has been accepting my MS is not just my problem.

When I was diagnosed with MS, I firmly wanted to be able to deal with it myself. I saw it as my problem, and I didn’t want it to affect those around me. I saw it as solely my responsibility, and I thought it would be unfair for me to let it burden anyone else.

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Life After an MS Diagnosis

Posted on March 12, 2025 by MultipleSclerosis.net

A multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis can stir up many emotions. Fear, anger, relief, denial, and confusion are common. Each person’s experience is unique.

The team at MultipleSclerosis.net invited the community to “Share what life with MS after diagnosis really feels like.” Respondents provided their insights into life after diagnosis.

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You Got This!

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Melissa Young

Receiving a multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it’s also the beginning of a journey where you can take charge of your health and future. While MS comes with uncertainties, empowering yourself with knowledge and a proactive mindset can make a world of difference. Start by educating yourself about MS through the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA). Understanding your diagnosis helps you make informed decisions about treatment, symptom management, and lifestyle changes.

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Merrilee Schultz – March 2025 Artist of the Month

Posted on March 7, 2025 by MSAA

MSAA features the work of many talented artists affected by multiple sclerosis as part of our annual MSAA Art Showcase. Each month we share these artists’ inspiring stories and beautiful artwork with you as our Artist of the Month. This month, we celebrate Merrilee Schultz as March’s Artist of the Month. Merrilee is from Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

“Chaos”

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MSAA Debuts the Largest Art Showcase Yet!

Posted on March 5, 2025 by MSAA

Every year, MSAA celebrates the artistic talents of the MS community in our digital Art Showcase. We are honored to have received such inspiring stories and pieces of art over the years. This year, we are excited to launch MSAA’s largest Art Showcase to date! With the participation of more than 85 artists, and over 240 art pieces displayed, the 2025 Art Showcase highlights the experiences of artists with MS from across the country.

Beginning this month, in honor of MS Awareness Month, one artist will be featured per month as our Artist of the Month. Artists of the Month will be shared on MSAA’s website, MS Conversations blog, and social media platforms. We highly encourage you to view this one-of-a-kind Showcase by visiting MSAA’s 2025 Art Showcase webpage.

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