The Fear

Posted on October 16, 2023 by MSAA

By Chernise Joseph

Since it’s the spookiest of months, let me get right to the point: MS has taught me how to be afraid. To be very, very afraid. As big and as intimidating as that word can truly be, I don’t want it to come across as multiple sclerosis has simply scared me away from living as that isn’t the case at all–if anything it’s the exact opposite.

Multiple sclerosis is a funny thing, especially the sort I have. I can go weeks, months, even years, without any relapses, but the threat of them still lurks over my head like a storm cloud. What if I overdo it today and trigger a relapse? What if the weather is simply weather-y and I’m in relapse-land? What if, what if, what if.. That is what scares me the most about MS. The what ifs.

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My Unspoken Strength

Posted on October 4, 2023 by Emily

The lessons that living with MS has taught me are abundant. I have lived with this disease since I was in my very early 20s. Some of the most pivotal years of a young person’s life. I had big dreams of being a sports reporter. I did seven internships throughout my college career at Penn State University. The truth was, I was just downright hungry and would do whatever it took to be able to say, “I made it.”

My last year of college was a pretty exciting time for me. I had just finished an internship with the B1G Ten Network. The show I helped produce won an Emmy Award, and I had just landed a new gig straight out of college for an ABC affiliate in Harrisburg, PA. I was about to take on the biggest news story living in the sports and news world at that moment. Penn State was amidst a horrible scandal that rocked the nation. I was assigned to cover the courtroom news for this story. I spent eight weeks living in a trailer parked in a Walmart parking lot close to the courthouse. I was doing live shots next to CNN, Fox, ABC, and ESPN. I was on top of the world, or so I thought…

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Here We Go

Posted on September 22, 2023 by Teena Palathanam

Summer is over and the kids are all back at school. It is easy to get overwhelmed and anxious while trying to manage the school routines and dealing with the daily challenges of MS. It is best to be organized so that you have time to recover when symptoms worsen and take a toll on you during school days. Here are some ideas to make your life easier if you have school-going children:

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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

Posted on September 18, 2023 by Melissa Young

YAY- It’s Fall Y’all. This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread is delicious! Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee and savor the pumpkin spice flavor. This is sure to be a hit at Fall gatherings with friends and family. To be honest, I love to have a slice in the quiet morning when I am the only one awake sitting on my porch with my pumpkin spice coffee.

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Today Is the Best Day to Learn Something New

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Claudia Chavez

Here we go! Another school year has arrived with endless possibilities and great potential. Whether you have little ones that are starting a new school year, or you are attending school yourself, adjusting to the new schedule can be challenging. Starting a new school year can be stressful, but it can be exciting as well.

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Lifelong Learning

Posted on September 12, 2023 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

When the kids return to school, traffic patterns change and I may follow the school bus on my morning commute to work. There are fewer tourists in my town and fewer colleagues away on vacation. Stores and ad campaigns feature school supplies and products useful for students going back to school. “Back to School” season is a terrific annual reminder that learning doesn’t end after finishing school. I consider how much lifelong learning I’ve done and hope to attempt, the possibilities grow, and I’m motivated to plan more.

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Back to the Grind

Posted on September 8, 2023 by Emily

Going back to school is filled with excitement, and possibly fear. Depending on what grade or level of schooling you’re about to enter. I know the feelings of starting a new school year but have not yet experienced it from a parent’s perspective, until now. And boy, is it tough.

As I pack up my little girl to go to her first day of daycare, I can’t help but think to myself how is she going to feel without me? Will she think I abandoned her? Will she know that I am coming back? I know every parent has a feeling of extreme guilt when dropping their child off at a place that is unknown and possibly scary to them, even if it is in their best interest. Here are a couple things I did to calm myself down, stay present, keep my thoughts organized, and most importantly STAY POSITIVE.

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Fall Pumpkin Hummus

Posted on August 28, 2023 by Melissa Young

It is hard to believe that Fall is right around the corner. I am so ready for pumpkin everything!!!

This easy Fall Pumpkin Hummus only takes 10 minutes to make and is delicious!

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Emergency Preparedness – Think Local

Posted on August 28, 2023 by MSAA

Emergencies occur daily, and they can range from mild inconvenience to life-shattering events. There is tons of information available for being prepared for emergencies. Lists of what to include in emergency kits are thorough and excellent for helping each of us have what we need in case of emergency. Pages dedicated to people who are medically vulnerable and disabled are wonderful for listing what to consider for ourselves and those we care for.

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Being Prepared

Posted on August 22, 2023 by Teena Palathanam

Individuals living with MS face a lot of uncertainty. Coping with the unpredictability of MS can affect one’s quality of life. There may be times when you might be going through a relapse or flare up and you may experience MS-related symptoms. It is good to equip yourself to handle such emergencies. Here are some things to keep in mind that will help you to have control over such situations and put your mind at ease:

Emergency information: Have contact information of family, friends, and health care providers whom you can call in the event of an emergency. Keep a list of all medications with their dosages and a copy of your medical history in an accessible area in your home.

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