Below are stories of those Ohioans affected by MS. They are raising their voices and sharing their stories in the hope to help others lean about and join in on the movement to create a world free of MS.
These stories are setup to be printed on standard 8.5X11 paper and folded in half to make a card. If you are having trouble printing a card, please contact Allison Novak at 216-503-4177.
Barbara Abrams, Powell
Diagnosed in 1992
"I don’t feel that I have the luxury of putting things off, or squandering my days “because there’s always tomorrow.”
Jeanne Capretta, Lyndhurst
Diagnosed in 2009
“I have to pace my daily activities and am in constant worry that the MS will become worse!”
Louise Fishleigh, Mentor
Diagnosed in 2001
“In all ways possible! Believe it or not there have been both positive and negative impacts to my life. Due to MS I am living life as I can to the fullest!”
Shalonda Frederick, Akron
Diagnosed in 2002
“Everyday is a new challenge I face head on.”
Carrie Gable, Shaker Heights
Diagnosed in 2009
“People don’t understand that I suffer silently in pain every day with a disorder that has no cure.”
Tammy Greeno, Circleville
Diagnosed in 2006
“I look forward to the day researchers can find a cure for this disease.”
Katie Herman, Sagamore Hills
Diagnosed in 1998
“I have met the most incredible people through Mothers Assisting Mothers with MS and other MS sites.”
Linda Kiser, Upper Arlington
Diagnosed in 1988
“Over the course of this illness, my husband and I have had to make career decisions in such a way that health coverage is maintained. Affordable insurance is important to me.”
Robin O’Neill, Peninsula
Diagnosed in 1977
“And the war was on: Me vs. MS. And for thirty five years I have fought. I have won battles and I have lost battles.”
Charlene Press, Solon
Diagnosed in 1991
“I’ve made many new friends—all with MS—that I would not have met without my diagnosis. I tell people this is the good part of MS.”
Teresa Smith, South Euclid
Diagnosed in 1999
“I live by the statement “I may have MS but MS does not have me.”
Kathy Soke, Painsville
“I feel if I can make someone feel good and smile and learn something it is great!”
Deborah Stone, Powell
Diagnosed in 2007
“I now feel out of touch with the world I once new and it has taken over life as I knew it.”
Liz Thompson, Grove City
Diagnosed in 1987
“MS slowed me down and took away some simple pleasures such as taking a walk outside or any physical activity. But I have learned to adapt and adjust. I refuse to let MS make me stop moving or living a full life.”
Rachel Walsh, Worthington
Diagnosed in 2007
“I think one of the most challenging aspects of the disease so far has been learning to cope with fatigue and headaches while chasing around a two year-old.”
Ricci Washburn, Westerville
Diagnosed in 2001
“We all just hope somewhere somehow we can find a way now or in the near future to cure this evil aspect of life!”