With great power comes great responsibility…

Posted on July 17, 2019 by MSAA

By Scott Cremeans

I slept horribly the other night and decided to sleep in because a tired brain is a dysfunctional brain. I had nothing planned that next day to wake up early for and realized that this would be a great day to be lazy. I am not sure what caused my unrest though I lay all night with busy mind syndrome. Sadly the chaos that was to ensue would not allow the extra slumber that I so wanted. This terrible technological turmoil would not allow the excess rest to calm my brain that I desperately desired. Continue reading →

How I Stay Cool in the Summer

Posted on July 15, 2019 by MSAA

By Alene Brennan

I used to love summer.

As a Jersey girl, I spent my summers “down the shore.”

But since my MS diagnosis the warmth of the sun is something I avoid… and straight up fear somedays.

I also hate the heat that summer temps bring to my workouts. I get so easily overheated. My danger zone is when it’s hot enough to raise my internal body temperature but not hot enough for me to break a sweat.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful that I can exercise as it’s something that brings me Continue reading →

Lights, Camera… Action

Posted on July 12, 2019 by Ro Washington

One of my favorite things about the Summer…is movies. Well to be honest, one of my favorite things just in general is movies. But studios pull out all the stops for the Summer Blockbusters and I look forward to it every year. The Action, the Thriller, the Suspense and Drama. Movies for me have always been a great escape. An hour and a half or so to get lost in the concerns, problems, and hijinks of the leading lady or man and be transported somewhere else. I also enjoy a good sequel. It’s like running into an old friend Continue reading →

For the Love of Biking – It Really Can Be for Everyone

Posted on July 10, 2019 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

In a conversation with coworkers years ago, one person reflected on his summers spent in their backyard pool in California. I responded with excitement and jealousy that he had his own pool when all I had was a bike! Another coworker who grew up in Hong Kong, exclaimed with awe, “You had a bike?!?”

Wow. I laughed at my own ignorance to my privilege. To think she grew up in a large city and didn’t have a bike at all made me realize just how special it was Continue reading →

Summer Hostage

Posted on July 8, 2019 by MSAA

By Lauren Kovacs

Let me see, MS has pretty much taken summer hostage for many MSers. Some things we can in fact re-claim, with modifications. We have to learn to put our own spin on things.

Plan, plan, plan. You kind of have to go into a situation knowing all your options and the “what if.” The “Last-minute Lucy” folks won’t like this. Know your own body.

With three Boy Scouts at home, the moto of “Always Be Prepared” rings true for most MS folks. Remember the heat is usually not our friend. Summer means heat. Heat means Continue reading →

Reminiscing of Summers Past

Posted on July 3, 2019 by Angel Blair

As a kid summer always seemed like such a charmed time. Mostly because school ended and we were ‘free.’ For some the season brought trips, vacations and activities that weren’t done during the school year. For others just having time off and spending days with family and friends was treasured. Reminiscing of summers from my childhood has now become a favorite pastime of mine.

Growing up we weren’t fortunate to have lots of family vacations or trips. But we did our best to keep ourselves occupied in our day to day. We did have certain things to look forward to Continue reading →

Jaclyn Spencer – July 2019 Artist of the Month

Posted on July 1, 2019 by John MSAA

Each year, MSAA features the work of artists affected by multiple sclerosis in the annual MS Ability and Four Seasons Art Showcases, including highlighting one artist each month as our Artist of the Month. This month, we are proud to feature Jaclyn Spencer of Ogden, UT:

“My Cat. My Muse”

About the Artist Continue reading →

The Path to SSDI: Tips and Challenges

Posted on June 28, 2019 by MultipleSclerosis.net

There is one day that many people with MS see looming in the near or distant future: the day they can no longer work. For some, the actual timing of this day comes as a surprise—and the resulting financial strain is huge. But what can be even harder is the process of applying for and possibly being denied medical disability.

For Mitch Sturgeon, the answer to it all became obvious. Not easy—but obvious.

Sturgeon recognized that disability was a ‘when’ and not an ‘if,’ and so he scheduled the last day he could work, Continue reading →

Back in Action – Mike, Catherine, and the Ride to Montauk

Posted on June 26, 2019 by MSAA

Last September, Mike Zimits and Catherine Tsigakos got back on their bicycles for the first time in years and rode through Long Island to the famous Montauk Lighthouse with Team MSAA. This September, they’ll be doing it again! How did Mike and Catherine become such fierce MSAA supporters?

Mike Zimits was diagnosed with MS in 1998 – up until his diagnosis, Mike was leading what he describes as an “unhealthy lifestyle.” To get back in shape, he took up cycling. Ten years prior to Mike’s diagnosis, Catherine’s brother Peter, a close friend of Mike, was also diagnosed with MS Continue reading →

Accessible Travel

Posted on June 24, 2019 by Angel Blair

It’s officially Summer and the arrival of the season signifies travel plans and busy itineraries for some individuals. Whether it be local travel to sites in one’s community or journeying to farther places, individuals can benefit from planning ahead for their trip as much as possible.

I wanted to share some great information I came across in an article on tips for travelers with disabilities and another with tips for travel agents working with those who have disabilities. Many suggestions involve making arrangements and contacts beforehand to ensure facilities and destinations are Continue reading →

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