A new study funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has confirmed that nearly 1 million people are living with MS in the United States, more than twice the original estimate from a previous study. That is proof positive that those of us living with Multiple Sclerosis truly are one in a million! This gives…… Continue Reading
Catch the Digmanns in the news
Author Archives: Dan
How we made a lasting impact on MS in 31 days
AMarch 2019 was a month for us to remember, and we’re charged up to make sure that you never forget it. As the nation celebrated March as MS Awareness Month, we truly went coast-to-coast to increase awareness and understanding of this chronic disease of the central nervous system. Our adventures started on March 4 and…… Continue Reading
How to flex your MS muscle on Capitol Hill
Imagine waking up at four in the morning, working for nearly 12 hours and not getting paid a single cent for your efforts, but still feeling like giving more of yourself as the sun set. Welcome to our day advocating on Capitol Hill. We recently returned from our fourth National Multiple Sclerosis Society Public Policy…… Continue Reading
When the MS caregiver gets sick
One of the biggest things Jennifer and I fear with us both living with Multiple Sclerosis was recently realized. I got out of bed and couldn’t stand up to walk. Me, Jennifer’s primary caregiver who is the physical force behind her every transfer in and out of her power wheelchair, lost control of my legs,…… Continue Reading
With MS and life, ‘perseverance’ is my 2019 word of the year
I was talking with my brother, Steve, the other day as Dan finished his workday. Beyond the New Year’s Eve party analyses that highlight Steve and my first conversation of each new year, he hit me with something before I even asked him. He asked me if I had made any New Year’s resolutions, and…… Continue Reading
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…… Continue Reading
Itching the night away
In spite of our shared battles with Multiple Sclerosis, Dan and I have been happily married for the past 13 years. Strangely, the disease has brought us together. That closeness has sometimes even let us communicate without talking. No words needed. We have our regular rituals like sharing a quick kiss as soon as an…… Continue Reading
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
Moving to the MuSic
I remember the physical therapy students telling me that we were going to dance at my next visit, but I couldn’t imagine what that would look like. Let’s be honest. I haven’t stood in more than 16 years, which means Dan never has known me to stand or walk on my own. How the heck…… Continue Reading
Take time to give thanks for Caregivers
Our kitchen counter is filled with foundations for two Thanksgiving side dish staples: green bean casserole and scalloped corn. Don’t get us wrong, turkey is the main attraction, but in our minds the sides always have the starring role in this annual tradition. Come Thanksgiving morning, we’ll wake up early and prepare three pans of…… Continue Reading