Meet the Board – Audrey Allsopp

Posted on October 30, 2019 by MSAA

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 Audrey Allsopp. Continue reading →

Vacation Options for People with MS

Posted on October 28, 2019 by MultipleSclerosis.net

Heat will do it. Being unable to get around easily will do it. For so many people living with Multiple Sclerosis, there are many reasons to think twice about going on vacation. It can seem like too much work for not enough payoff.

But everyone deserves a vacation.

To find out how the Multiple Sclerosis community is finding ways to vacation that truly work, we reached out on the MultipleSclerosis.net Facebook page. The question we posed to the group is: “Are there any vacation spots that you would recommend as being ‘MS-friendly?’”

Almost 50 of you commented, sharing Continue reading →

It’s in the Contract

Posted on October 25, 2019 by MSAA

By Doug Ankerman

Mental wellness? Wait. When given my MS diagnosis years ago, all talk centered around the physical side. No one mentioned anything about the mental challenges of MS.

For this reason, I renege my contract with multiple sclerosis! (Wish it was that easy, right?)

Fact is, in my experience, mental wellness is WAY harder to manage. I have AFO’s to help with foot drop. A rollator to Continue reading →

Deciding What I’ll Do and How Much I’ll Do for My Best Health

Posted on October 23, 2019 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

In true keeping with not quickly remembering the lessons I’ve already learned, it took me a few months of building frustration before seeing a situation I’m experiencing as something I could approach differently.

I volunteer for our local self-help group, and increasing work and personal health demands are making it harder for me to continue doing everything I’ve done for the past six years. I’d asked for volunteers to help. Some stepped forward and I appreciated their help, but still I felt responsible for more than I can continue.

I was getting frustrated, and resentment was building. I was getting Continue reading →

Harvest Pasta Salad

Posted on October 21, 2019 by Melissa Young

Fall is my favorite season. There are many reasons why I love fall, one being the abundance of seasonal foods you can find this time of year.

Harvest Pasta Salad is a wonderful way to welcome the season and its deliciousness. This pasta salad combines all the flavors of fall and is simple to create.

Ingredients Continue reading →

Pediatric MS – The Motivator

Posted on October 18, 2019 by MSAA

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America is proud to introduce the latest edition of The Motivator, available now in both print and digital editions! The edition’s cover story, “Pediatric MS,” explores how pediatric MS differs from MS in adults, how it is diagnosed and treated, and how social and emotional well-being is promoted.

Read an excerpt from our cover story here: Continue reading →

Booting the Mental Devil

Posted on October 16, 2019 by MSAA

By Scott Cremeans

I went through many years of a deep dark depression that enticed me to see just how close I could get to the edge. This game of chicken between the darkness and the light stole my thirties from me and cannot return the years that were taken. This onslaught occurred as the angel and devil on either shoulder taunted me with a ruthless game of truth or dare. Although this atrocity would not stop, the bold brutal battle did not come to the desired conclusion of the dark side. The following is what helped me, and hopefully, others can Continue reading →

I Can Try

Posted on October 11, 2019 by MSAA

By Lauren Kovacs

Mental wellness is often overlooked by MS folks and those around us. I am not saying for others to walk on eggshells, but mindfulness is something we all need to remember. Mental wellness is trying and knowing when to seek assistance.

The saying, “… if you have nothing nice to say…” This goes for negative self-speech too. Try to speak words of affirmation to yourself. Be your own cheerleader. Try at least.

Having been a Continue reading →

What to do with the MS Burnout Blues…

Posted on October 9, 2019 by Selena Fisher

MS Burnout. Two words that, when separate, denote significant struggles. When you put those words together, it can be explosive. MS Burnout is a real thing. Let’s talk about it.

Having MS can be draining and overwhelming, whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or you’re 20 years in. I’ve seen the effects it can have on even the strongest person.

Do you find that there are days when you are just so extremely frustrated with MS-related challenges? Are you Continue reading →

It’s OK to talk about it…

Posted on October 7, 2019 by Angel Blair

In (very) recent years, mental health and wellness have become more talked about and recognized in mainstream society. It’s discussed more openly than ever before. To be honest, we’re not too far beyond the days where it was ‘taboo’ to talk about mental health publicly.

Old Times

Few would ever think to disclose Continue reading →

FOLLOW MSAA ON: