Faces of MS 
Jean Anderson Making a Difference in the Face of MS!
Written By Ann Farrell, National MS Society Volunteer & Event Participant
Living with an autoimmune disease like multiple sclerosis may seem difficult and depressing to many people. But for Jean, who was diagnosed in 1992, it provides a chance to emphasize the positive in life and send a message of awareness to others.
Jean was diagnosed with MS four weeks after the birth of her first child. At the time, she was scared and overwhelmed by the news. Now the busy mother of three, she cites fatigue as her main physical symptom. "With MS, you start with a quarter tank when you get up, instead of a full tank,” she explains.
Jean and her family began participating in the MS Society’s Ann Arbor Walk MS event to raise money and awareness for the disease. She found it easy to solicit donations because “the NMSS is so involved in supporting cutting-edge research”. Her husband, Darrell, liked being active and decided to ride in the Bike MS Ride about five years ago. Jean went along as a volunteer for the event and was overwhelmed by the helpfulness and kindness of everyone involved. “I found it encouraging,” she says, “And you meet lots of people who are just like you.” The couple looks forward to participating in the fundraiser with family and friends each summer.
Jean also enjoys being a Power Partner for the Bike MS Ride, where individuals with MS are paired with participants who might not necessarily know someone with the disease. The program aims to encourage awareness by facilitating a relationship. “It’s great! It’s awesome to be a part of that process when people don’t have a connection to MS,” she asserts.
Jean believes her strong faith and supportive family is helping her endure the challenges of living with multiple sclerosis. “I might not get better and that’s okay. But I have all that I can handle.”
To see the beautiful artwork Jean does, visit her Web site at www.jeanandersonwatercolors.com