Meet Mary
Diagnosed in: December 1998
What makes me strong: I have a fierce determination to accomplish what I set out to do. A positive attitude helps me to focus on the things I can do, rather than what I can no longer do. A terrific collection of family and friends help to reinforce me and support my goals. And my aggressive personality helps me to be proactive with my needs rather than “allowing things to just happen to me.”
I enjoy being a woman because: There are so many facets to a woman’s being. Our ability to organize and multitask allows us to accomplish so much. Our inherent maternal instinct helps us to be compassionate and caring. Our ability to bear children is the greatest gift of all.
What my joys in life are: My husband and my two children are my greatest joys. The ability to ride my bike on a beautiful, sunny day brings me much joy. The continued opportunity to play softball on the same team for 28 years is a real treasure. Being outside and enjoying nature brings me great peace and joy.
What my fears are: My brain is my biggest asset. Therefore, my greatest fear is that I will lose my cognitive abilities. I also fear loss of my ability to remain independent.
What makes me unique: Though I am 46 years old and have MS, I continue to do many of the things that I have loved to do all my life, such as playing softball and riding my bike. I believe that my own personal experiences with medical illness and “working the medical system” have given me particular insight, understanding and compassion when acting as a physician for my own patients.
MS has taught me: I do not need to be Superwoman anymore. I have been forced to take inventory of my priorities, and to make choices in my life that help me to focus on what is really important. It has also taught me that life is uncertain and unpredictable, and therefore I must take each day as a gift, as I never know what tomorrow will bring.
One piece of advice that I would give to someone newly diagnosed with MS is: Don’t let MS redefine who you are. Learn to work with MS and focus on all the great things you can do, rather than on what you can no longer do. Try to accept that it is an unpredictable disease and avoid living in fear of what might happen. Finding family and friends that can truly support you will make all the difference.