By Dan and Jennifer Digmann
When we hear the word “roots,” we tend to gravitate toward where we came from. We think about our parents and grandparents, our hometowns, traditions, and family stories.
But maybe our roots are more than these.
Continue readingWeather is something most people talk about to fill an awkward elevator silence. But when you live with multiple sclerosis (MS), the shift in temperature outside can be far more than casual small talk – it can completely transform how your body functions from day to day. From the sweltering humidity of mid-to-end summer to the sharp pressure drops of autumn storms, changing seasons can bring distinct physical challenges.
Understanding how weather can impact MS can help turn unexpected flare-ups into manageable moments, offering a roadmap for staying safe, comfortable, and connected all year long.
Continue readingBy Dr. Eva Jackson
Every MS diagnosis begins with a different story. For me, the diagnosis brought an unexpected sense of relief. After seven long years of searching for answers, I finally had a name for what was going on with my body. But that relief came with weight. The journey to diagnosis can be lonely, costly, exhausting, and filled with questions about the future. In the beginning, learning that you have an incurable disease affecting your nervous system can feel as if the world around you are still moving while your own world has come to an abrupt stop.
Continue readingBy Dan and Jennifer Digmann
To us, community is more than a group of people who happen to live in the same town, attend the same church, share an interest, or know our story.
Community is the people who show up.
They celebrate with us when life is good, stand beside us when life is difficult, and remind us that we never have to navigate life completely alone.
Continue readingBy Stacie Prada
When I think of my community, I first think of where I live, my friends and neighbors who will show up for me, and those I’m compelled to show up for. In times of crisis, a surge of community help is noticeable. A call to action is made, and people rise to the occasion.
Continue readingLiving with a chronic illness means mastering a complicated dance. For individuals navigating multiple sclerosis (MS), that dance includes an uninvited partner who constantly changes the music. One minute you are gliding smoothly, and the next, the tempo shifts without warning. Living with MS may require rewriting the rules of daily life to help reclaim control, energy, and personal happiness.
Continue reading“I am so grateful for this community and the wonderful people here. It has been life-changing for me to have so much support, be able to help others, and to find great resources. Bravo, MSAA!”
-My MSAA Community member
This year, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is recognizing a very special milestone: the 10th anniversary of our online forum, My MSAA Community!
Continue readingAs we dive into the bright and sun-filled days of summer, I find myself pondering just how wonderful this season feels in our lives. Probably the best part is the joy of spending time with loved ones and building meaningful connections. While travel is a big part of the season, it is important to plan mindfully—especially when living with MS. Since every individual’s MS journey is different, it is important to plan based on your needs. Make time for rest, listen to your body, and prepare ahead so you can truly cherish the holiday experience. Since travel can also be costly, there are several smart ways to reduce expenses without compromising on the comfort of the holidays.
Continue readingBy Nicole Robinson
Summer looks a little different when you are living with multiple sclerosis. The heat, the fatigue, the unpredictability of symptoms – it all factors into how I plan, what I commit to, and how I protect my energy while still enjoying the season. Over the years I have learned that a meaningful summer does not require a big budget or an ambitious itinerary. It requires intention. And a little planning ahead never hurts either.
Continue readingBy Angel Blair
Continue readingIt’s that time of year again— the peak of the summer months is upon us. For those living with MS affected by the heat, staying cool becomes top priority. And for individuals on a budget, summer planning can require some creativity and thinking outside of the box. But there are ways to try and enjoy the season while being cost efficient and budget savvy. It’s about finding what works for you!