At 20 years old, North Park resident Carlyn Shaw was a vibrant second-year student at Indiana University. She was studying journalism and had a typical, active college sophomore’s lifestyle including running, exercising at the gym and attending football games and other social events. While in the shower one day, Carlyn noticed that she couldn’t feel the water hitting her left arm – but she could see it. It was a strange phenomenon, but Carlyn brushed it off as a pinched nerve. However, within 48 hours, the entire left side Carlyn’s body and the right side of her scalp felt “asleep” – completely numb. Within days of her initial numbness, Carlyn could not see further than inches in front of her face. An immediate MRI ordered by her doctor showed tell-tale lesions and Carlyn was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. “I knew nothing about MS. How could this happen to me? I was so scared.”
Within a few weeks, medications resolved Carlyn’s near blindness (optic neuritis) and her sight was restored. Carlyn immediately began treatment in an attempt to halt the progress of her MS and hold off another exacerbation. Carlyn administered her treatment by injection once a week; her college roommates called it “Shot Sunday” and stayed by Carlyn’s side as her flu-like side effects passed.
After her diagnosis, Caryln's father committed himself to learning all he could and worked to create awareness within their community. He participated in one of the very first Challenge Walks in North Carolina and has continued to participate every year for nearly a decade, raising over $50,000! Carlyn has previously completed the Dallas Bike MS Tour, fundraises annually for Walk MS, and in 2007 completed her first three-day, 50-mile Challenge Walk. Carlyn states, “These events remind me that there are many people out there passionate about finding a cure. How can I not be involved when everyone around me supports me?”
While MS affects Carlyn’s balance, and sometimes causes confusion and memory loss, Carlyn says that MS also gives her strength. “MS has motivated me to do all that I can in my life because I never know when my health may change,” says Carlyn. Over the past few years, Carlyn’s symptoms have included weakness in her left leg and arm, cognitive difficulties and occasional blurred vision, but it wasn’t until recently, more than a decade after her diagnosis, that an MRI displayed additional lesions.
At the chapter’s women’s retreat in 2008, Carlyn met six other women living with MS, all between the ages of 27 and 32, who established an email support group and meet monthly for dinner. “When I meet people with MS, we already have something in common. I look and feel pretty good, and it makes me feel good to share that with others.” Carlyn feels lucky for the support that her family, friends and community provide her on a daily basis, in addition to supporting her involvement with the National MS Society.
Though the cause of multiple sclerosis is not known, it is a disease of the central nervous system typically diagnosed in the prime-of-life years, ages 20-50. At least two to three times more women than men are living with MS, the most common neurological disease leading to disability in young adults. To learn more about MS, Carlyn, chapter programs and services, fundraising events, sponsorship/underwriting chapter activities, or to donate, email Heather.Cavazos@MSpacific.org, visit www.MSpacific.org or call 1-800-486-6762.