Faces of MS 
Margaret - “My MS has really been one of the best things that’s happened to me.”
Written By Ann Farrell, National MS Society Volunteer & Event Participant
Although Margaret Powers had been experiencing symptoms of multiple sclerosis since 1978, it would take another seventeen years until she heard her diagnosis. “I knew something was wrong,” she says,”but the doctors couldn’t put it all together.” By 1995, Margaret was relieved to put a name to her symptoms and begin a course of treatment.
At first, Margaret struggled with people believing she in fact had a disease. “They told me I looked so good!” she exclaims. Margaret now uses a wheelchair or a scooter to help her conserve her energy, and she still has difficulty with those who don’t understand why she feels the need to go out and do things for herself. “It feels wonderful to go places.”
Margaret was referred to the local MS Society by her neurologist, and she began to take advantage of the resources available to her. Since she was a teacher, she says she “always likes to know what’s going on” and the MS Society kept her up-to-date on the latest research and programs relating to MS. This led to various volunteering positions, like the Walk MS and Bike MS Ride. Margaret was asked to be a Power Partner in 2007, which matched her with event participants to increase motivation and awareness. Margaret was able to communicate with her Power Partners by e-mail, and she especially connected with a 13-year-old girl. “It was a really good idea,” says Margaret, “she didn’t know anything about MS before I wrote to her.”
In 2007 Margaret was also asked to be the leader of a MS self-help group, a job she shares with another individual, meeting on a monthly basis in the Lansing area. She enjoys this position: people ask her for information, resources, or simply a listening ear. “One woman even called me her mentor,” Margaret mentions. It may be hard for some to believe, but according to Margaret, “My MS has really been one of the best things that’s happened to me.”