Meet Pat
Diagnosed in: 2000, but my doctor thinks I have had it for quite some time.
What makes me strong: Being strong-willed. My family, love of life and humor also make me strong.
I enjoy being a woman because: I have four beautiful children, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and I am married to my husband of nearly 48 years.
What my joys in life are: My family, traveling the world, my old friends and my new friends.
What my fears are: One day not being able to care for myself or enjoy my life to the fullest.
What makes me unique: Being a southern girl with MS. MS is said to be a northern-climate disease. But I have ancestors from Nova Scotia which has a very high population of people with MS, so maybe that’s where it came from.
MS has taught me: To be more tolerant of things I have no control over.
One piece of advice that I would give to someone newly diagnosed with MS is: It is a shock to hear your doctor say “MS,” but don’t despair. You will have the support of your family, friends, doctor and the local MS Society chapter. The chapter is there to help. Get involved with them. Volunteering at the chapter is wonderful. It is also important to take an hour or two for rest each day — it does wonders.