, Staff writer
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has scheduled a fund-raising bicycle tour May 3-4, from Frisco to Fort Worth. Come out to support the cause by riding, donating or volunteering. All proceeds go to the NMSS to help make a difference in those lives affected by MS.
Since three members of my family have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, I have a huge interest in educating people on this crippling disease.
MS is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another.
“In the United States today, there are approximately 400,000 people with MS – with 200 more people diagnosed every week,” according to the NMSS. “Worldwide, MS is thought to affect more than 2.5 million people.”
My grandmother, Joan Postlewait, was diagnosed with MS in 1989. She is now 65, and the disease has affected her so badly that she is unable to walk and is restricted to a wheel chair. She has severe weakness throughout her limbs and is unable to do a lot of daily activities.
“It’s unfair,” Joan explains, “It [MS] does what it wants to. I never thought 20 years ago this would have happened to me. I used to go running a lot, and now I can’t even walk.”
Although MS is not hereditary in a strict sense, having a close relative with MS increases an individual’s risk for developing the disease above that of the general population. This especially stands true for my grandmother, uncle and cousin, who all have MS.
There is no cure for MS, but new treatments and advances in research are providing some hope for people affected by the disease.
My family members and millions of others have had to learn to play with the cards they were dealt. That means they cope with the disease as best they can and continue to lead optimistic, productive lives.
For more information on the bike tour, call 1-800-344-4867 or visit www.MS150.org. To learn more about multiple sclerosis visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Web site at www.nationalmssociety.org.