Meet Julie
Diagnosed in: I was tentatively diagnosed in 2000, confirmed in the fall of 2001.
What makes me strong: So many things make me strong. It’s the smile on my daughter’s face when I walk in the door. It’s the sense of control over this crazy disease I get from what I eat, the medications I take daily, and my pretty stringent exercise regimen (the weight-lifting definitely helps). The fact that I can walk 50 miles in three days, raise money for research and ultimately make an impact on others’ lives makes me feel incredibly strong. That I can help someone newly diagnosed feel better about this day, the next week and the overall future makes me even stronger.
I enjoy being a woman because: I enjoy being a woman because I can be a mom — from dropping my daughter off at daycare, doing forward rolls with her at gymnastics, brushing her hair after a bath, and reading a story before bedtime. I can be a successful professional in the workplace, not because I am a woman but as a woman. I love bumming around in jeans as much as putting on a little black dress and heels.
What my joys in life are: So many joys … everything about my daughter, shopping and dinner with girlfriends, celebrating holidays with family, the sun, the beach, a good bottle of red wine, an intense workout, a successful new hire.
What my fears are: My greatest fear is that one day my daughter will figure out that I’m not Wonder Woman; that I’m not invincible. I fear that one day she’ll figure out that this disease can get ugly. I’m also freakishly scared of bees. I was stung by red ants previously and had an ugly allergic reaction. Doctors aren’t positive but assume I’m also allergic to bees. I definitely think my fear is a valid one.
What makes me unique: I‘m pretty high energy. It’s a combination of a positive attitude, an incredible love for my daughter, the recognition of how lucky I really am.
MS has taught me: LIFE IS TOO SHORT — live every moment to its fullest.
One piece of advice that I would give to someone newly diagnosed with MS is: I have two pieces of advice (in no particular order). One: be positive — it keeps me happy and healthy. Two: cherish every good day — you don’t know what tomorrow might bring so appreciate the good things.