Beating the Heat with MS: Lessons from the Walk-In Freezer

Posted on July 9, 2025 by MSAA

By Samuel Fitch

Before my multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, I never understood why I always felt so warm—especially compared to others. Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was to work in my family’s restaurant. One unexpected benefit? A built-in cooling station. On particularly hot days, the walk-in freezer or refrigerator offered immediate relief when my body felt overwhelmed by the heat.

Like many of my fellow MS warriors, managing body temperature—especially in the heat—is a constant challenge. For me, warm weather isn’t just uncomfortable; it can completely derail my ability to function the next day. It’s frustrating because, here in Western New York, beautiful sunny days are few and far between. When I miss them, I feel guilty. I want to be outside enjoying them with my family—but sometimes, the risk just isn’t worth it.

So what’s my advice for managing the heat when you live with MS?

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Self-Advocacy: Challenges, Tips, Mentors and Allies

Posted on June 25, 2025 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

Self-advocacy is hard work. We’re likely advocating for ourselves in tiny ways all the time, and we don’t notice when there’s little to no resistance. Frustration grows when we meet opposition and live with pain and unmet needs.

Barriers to self-advocating: Sometimes, I don’t know what I need, I’m unsure of what resources exist that could help, or I’m not being heard by those who could help me. Even if they want to help, they might not know how.

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The Art of Asking for What You Need

Posted on June 23, 2025 by Claudia Chavez

I’ve realized that learning to ask for what I need is an art form. While this may come naturally to some, others may find it difficult to put into words. Advocating for ourselves takes self-awareness, clarity, and practice — but the good news is that these skills can be learned and strengthened over time.

At our core, humans are wired for connection and belonging. Advocating for ourselves and asking for what we need can feel risky because it carries the fear of being rejected, dismissed, or seen as “too much,” “too needy,” or “difficult.” And yet, we all have an innate need to feel heard, validated, and understood.

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Power of Empowerment

Posted on June 20, 2025 by Teena Palathanam

There are a lot of uncertainties one must face while battling MS, and its symptoms vary widely among individuals. For newly diagnosed individuals, this can be a scary and unsettling journey without knowing what to expect down the road. Below are a few things you can suggest to someone who has been recently diagnosed with MS:

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Strawberry Basil Bruschetta

Posted on June 16, 2025 by Melissa Young

Celebrate the sweetness of the season with this Strawberry Basil Bruschetta—a bright, flavorful dish that turns simple ingredients into something special. Perfect for July 4th gatherings, casual picnics, or anytime you want a light bite with a summery twist, this recipe pairs juicy seasonal strawberries with fresh basil and a hint of balsamic. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and elegant enough to impress, whether served as an appetizer, snack, or refreshing dessert.

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Reclaim Your Power

Posted on June 11, 2025 by Diana Cruz-Beniquez

Being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder comes with many challenges- one of the most common and often more difficult is learning to become your own advocate. More often than not, the people and healthcare professionals I encounter are not familiar with my condition, which frequently means they do not know the symptoms that accompany the diagnosis and the treatment options that work best for me. This is when speaking up for myself becomes vital.

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Knowledge is Power, and so is Self-Advocacy

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Kate

Living with multiple sclerosis often means navigating a complex healthcare system, where self-advocacy becomes essential. Recently, I experienced firsthand how crucial it is to stand up for yourself in medical settings.

About 6 months ago, I made the decision to switch to a new neurologist, mostly due to the cost of my annual MRIs. I did my research and found an MS specialist 1.5 hours away and decided to give him a try. I arrived at the office, was pre-screened, and all seemed well until the doctor came in and I found myself being questioned and patronized in a way I have never experienced in a medical setting (or any setting really). Despite living with MS since 2016, doing well on the same DMT for 6 years, and working for MSAA for the past 3 years, the doctor asked me to justify my treatment and explain its benefits in detail before he was willing to continuing the conversation. I never received a physical examination, he never once asked about my lifestyle, and the entire interaction felt like a test. I guess I passed because he did end up ordering my next MRI and continuing with the same treatment path I was already on. The experience left me feeling unheard and disrespected.

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The Growth She Couldn’t Yet See

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Claudia Chavez

Once in a while, I face challenges that remind me just how much I’ve grown over the years. I’ve come to understand that challenges are actually opportunities for personal growth—and that some setbacks are blessings in disguise. Looking back, my younger self could never have imagined how resilient I would become.

She would be proud of how much my perspective has shifted as I’ve grown older and wiser. I used to cling so tightly to people, places, and things that I ended up suffocating the very opportunities life was offering me—to explore, to learn, and to flourish in unfamiliar territory. It was hard to say no to things that drained my energy and happiness. But over time, I’ve learned that while life can be unpredictable and full of obstacles, I have the power to choose my perspective. And today, I choose to believe in myself and trust that I can handle whatever comes my way.

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An Attitude of Gratitude

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Teena Palathanam

Life is one roller coaster of a ride. I realize that each life experience has a mix of emotions attached to it. At this point in life, I think I have experienced it all – anger, frustration, joy, happiness, embarrassment, peace, sadness, laughter, grief, and so forth. I have been overwhelmed many times, not knowing how to handle it all.

Having a good support system has always been my foundation, and it has helped me get through those tough times. I am proud of the little victories and the small successes that I have encountered in my journey through life.

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Sparkling Cucumber Mint Lemonade

Posted on May 19, 2025 by Melissa Young

Cool, crisp, and effortlessly refreshing, sparkling cucumber mint lemonade is the perfect sip to celebrate Memorial Day. As the unofficial start of summer, this holiday calls for light, hydrating drinks that can be enjoyed in the sunshine—and this one delivers with a burst of citrus, cooling cucumber, and garden-fresh mint. It’s a family-friendly crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal addition to any backyard cookout or picnic gathering.

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