Meet Amanda
Diagnosed in: 1996
What makes me strong: My friends, family and just generally believing in myself. My life has had many ups and downs and I know that I can lean on the people around me during the down times, but most of all, I know that I will push through to another day.
I enjoy being a woman because: I love the sensitivity and intimacy that women are able to have so easily. I have many close girlfriends that I share a strong bond with, and many of them are like sisters to me. I love being a mother and a daughter. I also love to shop, buy clothes and get my hair or toes done, which I consider to be fun girly things to do.
What my joys in life are: My son is my greatest joy. I also love photography and have my own small business. The ability to capture the precious moments of others and freeze their memories in a photograph brings much joy. I also enjoy traveling, spending time with the people that mean the most to me, adventures, being active and trying new things.
What my fears are: Truly, my greatest fear is not living my life to the fullest based on my MS. Although I have MS, I am not defined by it. I try to live my life to the fullest all the time, which sometimes leads to me forgetting to slow down and pay attention to my body. This brings me to another fear that I could be a burden on my loved ones due to my health. I am a very independent person and although I know they would not view me as a burden, the thought of relying on someone else to take care of me is very difficult. I remain confident that my positive attitude will keep me healthy and strong, both mentally and physically, to get me though whatever challenges are handed to me.
What makes me unique: I have a unique ability to juggle many things at once. Most of my life I have worked several jobs at once and continued to keep a very busy social schedule. At any given time I am a mother, photographer, employee and general CEO of my home. This can be stressful, but it’s a very rewarding existence for me.
MS has taught me: Great compassion. I have become very involved in the cause and finding the cure for MS and it has taught me so much about other people, especially their strengths and their struggles. It constantly inspires me and helps me strive to be a better, stronger person. And it has taught me to embrace the day and the joys of what I do have.
One piece of advice that I would give to someone newly diagnosed with MS is: KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Don’t lose hope because there is so much hope out there! Don’t look at this diagnosis in the worst possible light. Fight hard to find research and learn all you can. Most people hear MS and think right away that they will end up in a wheelchair. Although that is a possibility, I think through research and getting involved, you find many inspiring and triumphant stories that can encourage you to live a happier life without the dread of the diagnosis hanging over your head.