Christmas Dump Cake: A Stress-Free Dessert

The holidays can be a stressful time of year for anyone, but for those living with MS, it can be even more stressful. Things that may seem like a simple and even fun task, like baking, may be a daunting and time-consuming one for us with MS. When you’re dealing with a chronic illness, you must learn to take it easy on yourself. Give yourself some grace, even during the holiday season.

I’ve made some changes in my life to lessen my holiday anxiety and lighten the load a bit. For example, not putting so much pressure on myself to make dozens of homemade cookies or desserts. I use easy recipes that do not involve a lot, like this one I share with you below. It is one of my favorites and a crowd pleaser to boot! Spoiler alert: no one is going to care, or even know you made a boxed cake, I promise. šŸ˜‰

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(H)Chan(n)uk(k)a(h)Ā 

By Dana Mietus

Letā€™s start with some good news you might not know: No matter what way you choose to spell the Jewish festival of lights – you wonā€™t be wrong. Of course, you could also see it as you canā€™t be right, but as someone who regularly spell-checks the word ā€˜restaurantā€™ (no I did not get it right the first time writing this) I prefer to choose the never wrong option. 

Hannukah graphic including picture of dog with plush dreidel and a bowl of latkes
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Vanessa Willison ā€“ December 2022 Artist of the Month

Black and white photograph by MS artist Vanessa Willison entitled Snowmen
“Snowment” by Vanessa Willison

MSAA features the work of many talented artists affected by multiple sclerosis as part of our annual MSAA Art Showcase. Each month we share these artists’ inspiring stories and beautiful artwork with you as our Artist of the Month. This month, we celebrate Vanessa Willison as the December Artist of the Month. Vanessa is from Dorchester, NE.

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Ideas for Indoor Activities With MS

When you live with multiple sclerosis (MS), it is easy to feel overwhelmed by extreme weather, be it hot or cold. Cold weather, especially, can make it hard to move your limbs and can cause muscle spasms. On days when the weather is too much, you may head inside to feel better.

To find out how those living with MS stay mentally and physically active on the days that weather pushes them inside, we reached out on Facebook. We asked, ā€œIf you want to do an activity but cannot be outside due to extreme weather, what is your go-to indoor activity?ā€

Sixty community members shared their go-to activities! Here is what they had to say:

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Thankful for My TeamĀ 

By Gina Ross Murdoch

Recently, my son Steve approached me with an idea. ā€œMom, how about we create a mother and son team supporting MSAA for the Disney Marathon Weekend?ā€ Having participated before with TeamMSAA in the Disney events and getting the opportunity to do this with my son, I was all in with his great suggestion. It also made me think about how thankful I am to have his support as a team member in our collective efforts to raise funds and awareness for the MS community.  


Gina, MSAA President and CEO, and family
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Thoughts Too Big to Share: An Early Fatigue Symptom

By Stacie Prada

When Multiple Sclerosis fatigue rears up, my first noticeable sign is when I stop telling stories that come to mind. I edit myself more, and I contribute to conversations less. A decision point noticeably inserts itself into the thought process.

Do I have the energy to share this story? Am I able and willing to commit to staying in the conversation? When Iā€™m experiencing fatigue, the answer is no. Things I find funny, interesting or relevant become thoughts too big to share.

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You Are Your Greatest Holiday Gift

By Diana Cruz

Iā€™m someone you would call an “extroverted introvert,” or as Google so kindly put it, an ambivert. Spending time with my family and friends, and even getting out of my comfort zone to meet new people, brings me excitement and a sense of fulfillment. Yet, Iā€™ve noticed that these feelings only bring me a positive experience when there is also a balance of ā€œme time.ā€ Iā€™ve found that time alone to prepare prior to an event, as well as afterward to recharge is ideal, personally. However, as someone who comes from a big Dominican family, finding this time alone can sometimes be difficult, especially during the holidays.

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Happy Times

It is the time of the year when we have all these lovely holidays just round the corner. The time of the year when we get together with friends and family to share the cheer and joy. But with the holidays comes the stress of organizing, planning and attending parties. Getting through the store aisles can be daunting with a lot of last-minute shopping taking place.

Here are some tips to keep in mind while getting ready for the fun days ahead.

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Recipe of the Month: Easy Dump Corn Casserole

This quick and easy Dump Corn Casserole is awesome. Made with only 7 simple ingredients.  It is gooey, fluffy, scrumptious. Makes a wonderful side dish for your Thanksgiving meal to share with friends or family. 

This Corn Casserole can be placed in the freezer for easy access later to enjoy. This can be a great solution to reduce prep time and have ready to go when you need a side dish.

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More Joy, Less Stress

Holiday season is here! While the holiday season can be a cheerful and joyous time, it can also be very stressful and demanding. Back-to-back holiday parties, social obligations, shopping, and entertaining guests can quickly become too much to handle.  Alongside this, the feeling of loneliness and isolation are also very common around the holidays. With a few helpful tips and strategies, there are several ways to cope with stress and anxiety so you can enjoy this festive time of year.

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