The summer is right around the corner (I know, can you believe it). Need a fast and easy side dish to bring to a pot-luck, lunch at work, or even a family gathering? This chick pea salad recipe is for you. It is a perfect summer salad that is delicious! Continue reading
Leadership is Influence…John Maxwell (and probably a few dozen other people) said that. Influence is one of those things that can be both intentional and also completely unintentional. If you are ruling a kingdom or holding a seat in office, you know that your leadership and status can exact influence over others. But there are also those leaders who influence quietly or in less obvious ways to the majority of society. Leaders (and also some followers who haphazardly become leaders) who, though not loud or boisterous, flashy or well-bred, find themselves in a place of influence Continue reading
When my sister and I were little we used to wish for a different grandmother. I know that sounds terrible! But we were young, we didn’t know any better, and we thought our grandmother was the meanest woman alive at times! LOL.
Looking back at that now I can laugh because that was ridiculous. Yes, my grandmother was tough and strict sometimes, but whose isn’t? She really did mean well and just wanted us to be safe and well taken care of. Being a kid if you heard “no” then that adult was just plain mean, and your opinion gets tainted. But as we grew older Continue reading
Today marks the third year of my mother’s passing after a 10-year battle with cancer.
Just six weeks after she passed, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
It was hard enough to grieve the loss of her absence in my daily life. But now having my own diagnosis to process, I needed her more than ever.
I was scared.
I was angry.
I was overwhelmed.
And she was my person.
She always Continue reading
I have been fortunate to have several influential people through my MS journey. I reflect on them based on the struggle of the moment. Every moment with MS changes. Thus, influence changes.
I look to my mom who was a military wife for years. She carted four small kids all over to globe to meet my dad at his new duty station. I reflect on her when I combat new MS monsters. Fear of the unknown is not going to get me.
I look to a gymnastics coach I once Continue reading
As a young child wrapped in my mother’s arms, I’d hear her ask me, “What am I going to do with you?”
I’d answer in tempo with the script we’d created, “Hug me, and kiss me, and love me forever.” She’d squeeze me harder while kissing the top of my head, and I knew she would.
She died suddenly at the age of 47, and she never knew I had multiple sclerosis. This was 15 years before I was diagnosed with MS, yet she’s been a constant companion as I’ve navigated my life in general and the challenges I face living with MS.
Throughout the past 25 years, Continue reading
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 MS Artist of the Month. This month, we are proud to feature Lori Keeling Campbell of Bozeman, MT:
“Thorns to Blooms”
About the Artist Continue reading
MSAA strives to be a leading resource for the MS community by improving lives today through vital services and support – and we could not accomplish this without the help of our volunteer board members. MSAA’s Board of Directors is comprised of accomplished professionals from across the country who volunteer their time to further MSAA’s mission. With our ongoing series, Meet the Board, we hope to introduce you to our wonderful volunteer board members!
This month, MSAA is proud to highlight our newest board member Alexandra von Plato. Continue reading
For those with MS, it can be difficult to adapt to the physical and emotional changes that can accompany life with a chronic, debilitating condition. For some, the real pain of MS comes from not being able to be the person you once were, and one of the most difficult adjustments is the loss of your former self. For many, it can be extremely difficult to come to terms with losing this version of themselves, and some may even find themselves mourning that loss. We recently asked Continue reading
Staying organized in life is very important. It is beneficial to keep all of your doodads and doohickeys diligently divided so that you can reach them in an instant. The smart choice is to keep your selection of widgets neatly stacked for your convenience. It is essential to keep your entire calendar of events prominently posted for your perfunctory perusal.
As a person with multiple sclerosis, Continue reading