Self-Guided Summer Fun

Posted on July 22, 2026 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

When looking for things to do in the summer months, I think of my favorite experiences and memories. Some were big, pricey events with lots of planning, and some cost next to nothing, were memorable for some reason, and were special for who I did them with.

This summer I’ll have close family visit me. Our primary goals are to spend time together and relax. Still, it’s the perfect opportunity to create an indulgent staycation for me and a fun vacation for them. They’ve already visited many times, so my goal is to do more of what we’ve enjoyed in the past and find new experiences for us to enjoy together.

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Summer Plans on a Budget: How I Make the Most of Summer Living with MS

Posted on July 17, 2026 by MSAA

By 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.

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Summertime

Posted on July 15, 2026 by MSAA

By Angel Blair

It’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!

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Summer Fun on a Budget: Finding Joy Close to Home

Posted on July 13, 2026 by MSAA

By Samuel Fitch

Having fun in the summer does not have to mean spending hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on a fancy vacation, cruise, amusement park, or long-distance trip. Those things can be wonderful, but they are not the only way to make meaningful summer memories.

Sometimes the best kind of summer is a simple staycation right where you live.

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The Best Summer Memories Don’t Have to Cost a Fortune

Posted on July 10, 2026 by MSAA

By Dan and Jennifer Digmann

The mid-summer scent of grilled hot dogs hung in the air as the sun started setting and we twisted open another ice-cold beer.

Stadium organ music playing “Charge” faded into the background as our friend Erica asked Dan for another bag of Cracker Jack.

Welcome to an evening on our back deck.

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Weather, Geography, and MS: Finding Your Climate Comfort Zone

Posted on July 8, 2026 by MultipleSclerosis.net

Living with multiple sclerosis often means navigating a lot of unpredictability. While a lot of time is spent focusing on treatments and doctor appointments, there is one massive factor affecting daily life that is completely out of anyone’s control: the weather. From a sudden spike in humidity to the geographic location called home, the environment plays a huge role in how people feel from day to day.

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My Inner Cheerleader

Posted on June 29, 2026 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

“The reward of a thing well done is having done it.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sure, Ralph. Sometimes, having something done well is enough. It’s a relief to have it off the to-do list. It’s not nagging at me, and I’m not stressing about doing it anymore. But sometimes I still need acknowledgment for my hard work. A quiet nod or smile to myself in recognition: a star or smiley face drawn in my journal.

A lot of living with multiple sclerosis for me is invisible, and the effort it takes to prevent or delay physical decline is huge.

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Learning to Celebrate Myself

Posted on June 22, 2026 by MSAA

By Dr. Eva Jackson

Like many people, I was raised to believe that pride and boasting were wrong. As an adult, however, I am learning that recognizing my accomplishments is not the same as bragging. No matter how big or small the achievement is, I am learning to celebrate doing a good job.

For me, being kind and doing good comes naturally, but I am realizing that it is also important to celebrate myself. Sometimes that means simply giving myself credit, patting myself on the back, or treating myself to something special just for being me. I am learning that self-celebration is not about putting myself above anyone else. It is about acknowledging my efforts and my growth and giving myself permission to feel good about the progress I have made.

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Navigating Relationships and Friendships When Living with MS

Posted on June 5, 2026 by MultipleSclerosis.net

Living with MS brings many unexpected changes. While much focus is placed on physical symptoms, one of the biggest impacts of MS can be on our social circles. Relationships, marriages, and friendships might undergo a massive shift after a diagnosis, though everyone’s journey looks different.

People from the MS community have shared their raw, realistic, and hopeful experiences regarding how multiple sclerosis has reshaped their connections with others. Their stories show both the potential hardships and the relationship wins of navigating these shifts.

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Chris Pero – MSAA’s June 2026 Artist of the Month

Posted on June 1, 2026 by MSAA

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 Chris Pero as June’s Artist of the Month.  Chris is from Portland, OR.

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