Meet Katy
Diagnosed in: 1999
What makes me strong: I think that being positive and determined has strengthened me. Understand that it takes work to build character and then surround yourself with positive people as you live with MS. The support from my family and friends has really been there for me. Getting out to the barn, working with my trainer, and associating with horse people that have the same passion motivates me to keep going and not give into a weakness that I may have due to MS.
I enjoy being a woman because: I know that I am as beautiful inside as I am outside. My love of life and the thrill of taking a risk with the belief of achieving success keeps my heart pumping. I just love being a woman and wearing a terrific riding suit, fabulous make-up and showing Ruby in at a horse show. A victory pass is just frosting on the cake.
What my joys in life are: I experience joy in the relationship that I have with my husband. My very large family fills my heart with joy. Singing and playing my mandolin is just a treasured joy that I realize every day. Oh, and yes, my mare Ruby. She is the most wonderful partner that I have for the horse show season. The joy in owning my horse and almost hearing my mom’s voice or my dad’s voice saying to me, “I knew you would grow up to ride and love horses the way we did.”
What my fears are: I fear falling and not being able to walk. Not be able to be independent. But fears are only as powerful as the strength you give to them. I really give fear a boot and keep that attitude my dad put in my head. If you fall, get back on the horse, and keep your ass in the saddle.
What makes me unique: My desire to investigate, my need to create, my willing spirit to support worthy causes, my belief that you can be as young as you think you are.
MS has taught me: MS is a tough lesson and to say that it does not affect me would be cutting it short. It taught me to appreciate every day because I am as well as I can be. I have been taught that a steady routine of exercise is a must. No getting around that. I think beyond the MS and live my agenda and not the disease. Life’s lessons are hard but can be a learning experience. If that means pursuing my passion with horses, there I go.
One piece of advice that I would give to someone newly diagnosed with MS is: Realize that you are not alone and that many women will support you on your journey. Each of us has untold courage and determination. Draw from others who are on this same path and believe that MS can be cured in our life time.