Category Archives: speaking

Our defining moments of the year, despite MS

Perhaps you’ve read essays from us about how we are huge proponents of making New Year’s resolutions.

These are the goals and ideas we set for ourselves to make positive changes and improvements in our lives.

But before we look ahead and write down what we hope to accomplish in 2019, we’ve found it’s worth looking back at the moments that helped to shape us in 2018.

For real. These were experiences we never thought were possible until we tried them this past year. Each one instilled confidence in ourselves and opened our minds to a future full of possibilities, despite the Multiple Sclerosis we share.

In no particular order, here are six life-changing moments that helped us to define our life in 2018.

#ProgressiveMSDay
Being included and having our story featured in a three-minute video for the first-ever Progressive MS Day was an epic experience, to say the least.

Boat breaks down barriers for wheelchairs on the water
It only made sense that Jennifer was the first of our group to catch a fish.

My Sonny day
With the wheelchair left behind in the driveway, Jennifer took a ride with Dan’s wheels.

Virginia is for … conquering MS fears
Making a connection in Atlanta means non-stop flights no longer are a requirement.

MS and camping at Coldwater in incredibly cold weather
Because camping and semi-roughing it is possible for two people living with MS.

Moving to the MuSic
Tom Petty said it best for Jennifer, “I won’t back down.”

The truth is neither one of us identified any of these accomplishments in our New Year’s resolutions for 2018.

The lesson we learned? Develop a plan for the things you hope to do in the new year, but keep your eyes open for the previously unseen opportunities of a lifetime.

Bring on 2019! Wishing you all a happy, healthy and epic new year!!

Join us for a live MS caregiving chat tonight!

Multiple Sclerosis can be a very isolating disease, but there are so many ways to keep us all connected. We have worked to maintain these connections through our blogging and speaking and using technology like Healthline’s MS Buddy app. Through this free app, we have a virtual self-help group at our fingertips. Whether you, or…Continue Reading

Why telling others your MS story is good for you

Sharing your Multiple Sclerosis stories is a key component to self-care. I often say that I’m going to keep talking about Multiple Sclerosis so much that people will cure the disease just to shut me up. But they haven’t cured it yet, so I’m still talking. Dan and I recently had the opportunity to speak…Continue Reading

Virginia is for … conquering MS fears

It seems like we just got back from our epic trip to Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia to present at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Brian Mason Weekend Escape. Guess when you successfully tackle one of your biggest flying fears, the adrenaline rush takes its time leaving your system. Sure, we’ve taken direct flights countless…Continue Reading

Trippin’ on Multiple Sclerosis

As we finished our post-church coffee and muffin, Jennifer commented to me, “Why am I so darn tired this morning?” I paused, squinted my eyes as I looked through my mind for explanations, and then smiled. “You do realize that a week ago at this time,” I asked, “we were at the airport in Nashville…Continue Reading

A tough way to almost get to The Big Easy

To say Dan and I were looking forward to our trip to New Orleans to serve as the NMSS Louisiana Chapter’s On the Move Luncheon keynote speakers would be putting it mildly. After all, we’ve had a daily countdown written on our refrigerator for the 45 days leading up to our travels. 45… 44… and…Continue Reading

Blessings & Baton Rouge: MS On the Move Luncheon

On a typical Sunday, I often extend my right hand asking, “How are you this morning, Chris?” And her usual response is a heartfelt, “Blessed.”  That frequent exchange at church is quick, and so powerful. Just that one word: blessed. Dan and I often have discussed the concept of being blessed. Since we both are…Continue Reading

Odds and Ends

Merriam‑Webster defines “odds and ends” as, “miscellaneous articles or remnants.” This is a perfect title to capture all of the assorted bits I want to share on this chilly fall morning. First and foremost, Dan and I thank each and every one of you who shared kind thoughts and words consoling us after Cooper’s sudden…Continue Reading

Discovering power in MS advocacy

Multiple Sclerosis possesses weapons that should make Dan and me feel powerless. Striking us with extreme fatigue. Weakening our limbs with constant numbness. Robbing me of my ability to walk. Powerless. But that’s not how we’ve rolled, both literally and figuratively, in our 10 years of marriage. Dan and I have lived to redefine what…Continue Reading