Team MSAA and runDisney Participant Highlight: Ashlei Brown

Posted on September 9, 2024 by Dana Carney

Four years ago, Ashlei Brown ran her first endurance event as part of Team MSAA. The view was about as good as it could get – EPCOT.

In July, Ashlei shared her struggles with a severe MS flare that she experienced in 2020.

“2020 I was in the biggest episode of my life, hardly able to walk. I was stressed about moving my family across state lines from Florida to Tennessee into unfamiliar territory with no extended family to lean on… in the middle of COVID. My MS is completely under control now, thanks to the amazing people at @VUMChealth.

I think it’s time to run again for @MSassociation”

We wanted to hear more about Ashlei’s journey with Team MSAA, and what inspired her to run again at Disney.

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Healthier and Better Dinner and Movie Staycation

Posted on August 16, 2024 by Alexa Moreno

I recently went out to town with my family to have dinner and see a movie in theaters. Although it was fun to have some good food and see a movie on the big screen with movie theater popcorn (and butter), I couldn’t help but think how easy it is to recreate a similar experience at home, and at a fraction of the cost and probably a bit healthier. Here are some tips to have dinner and a movie at your own home!

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Romanticizing A Slow Summer

Posted on August 12, 2024 by Diana Cruz

Ah, summer. This time of year tends to have connotations that having exciting plans, going on adventures, and traveling, is essential. Now don’t get me wrong, experiencing the season to its fullest can be fantastic, however, having a memorable summer doesn’t mean that traveling to lavish places or splurging on expensive excursions is necessary. In fact, you don’t need much to create a noteworthy summer. Focusing on the small things of life can really bring about so much joy and peace.

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Staycation Tips and Tricks: Relax, Explore, and Enjoy Your Own Backyard

Posted on August 9, 2024 by Claudia Chavez

Staycations, or vacations spent at home or nearby, can be both enjoyable and cost-effective. While they are often perceived as lacking adventure or being boring, this is far from the truth. Staycations can offer unique experiences full of discovery and exploration. A well-planned staycation can be convenient, creative, and can save both stress and money.

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Surviving Summer

Posted on July 24, 2024 by Teena Palathanam

This summer has been incredibly hot across the nation. Possibly due to global warming. Heat waves have been unusually common this year. Staying active in summer can be a challenging task but there are ways you can beat the heat. With some of the tips below, these tips may ensure you are able to continue with your daily routines and exercise regimes.

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I can. I will. I Did.

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Diana Cruz

Being active is hard. The thought of starting a fitness journey can be nerve-wracking, stressful, and tiring, amongst so many other things. As an individual with an auto immune disorder, staying consistent with a health and fitness regime can feel mentally and physically draining. Having the strength to start a workout and continue when your body constantly feels fatigued and weak is an obstacle like no other. But it is not impossible. As a matter of fact, the more I remain active, the stronger and more capable I feel of pushing my strength to its limits.

The thought of starting a fitness journey, especially in the heat of the summer months, may be daunting. Luckily, there are so many ways to be active while beating the heat – you just have to think creatively!

Here are some fun ideas that may assist you in remaining active this summer:

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Navigating Your Finances

Posted on June 24, 2024 by Teena Palathanam

Everyone’s financial journey is unique, though we all face roadblocks at some point of time. Having control of your finances will pave the way to attain financial goals in the long run. Rather than focusing on unrealistic expectations, tailor your goals to meet your specific needs. The key is to strategically distribute your income and budget for your needs, rather than your wants.

Here are some practical insights on managing your finances:

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Remaining Resourceful Through Community Support

Posted on June 21, 2024 by Alexa Moreno

It can be overwhelming managing doctor’s appointments, bills, medications, and all the many responsibilities that come with managing multiple sclerosis. However, prioritizing and strategizing tasks can help manage the stressors of it all to not feel so daunting.

First, prioritize the necessities. I like to think of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs when feeling overwhelmed with what needs to be prioritized. Food, necessary medications, rent/mortgage, and basic utilities always come first.

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Start Where You Are, Use What You Have, Do What You Can

Posted on June 14, 2024 by Claudia Chavez

Living with a chronic illness, like multiple sclerosis, presents a unique set of challenges. Managing finances can be one of them, with medical expenses, reduced work hours, job loss, or unexpected expenses straining budgets and causing disruptions. Financial worries can impact our emotional and physical wellbeing, and building a support network of friends, family, and others living with similar challenges can offer much-needed support. I heard a quote once saying, “Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can,” and I couldn’t agree more. Be resourceful and think outside the box.

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Strength in Numbers

Posted on June 7, 2024 by Diana Cruz

Life is strange, isn’t it? It can be overwhelming, complicated, and confusing to understand. Mix it with unexpected occurrences and difficulties, and it can feel nearly impossible to navigate at times. Despite the myriad of emotional turmoil life may cause, there is always one underlying truth – there are millions of other individuals trying to figure it out just like you are. Of course, we all face different circumstances and feel various emotions, but at the end of the day, we are all navigating how to get by and be happy. Happiness, whatever that personally looks like, is the commonality that we all are looking to achieve. And there is plenty of it to go around.

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