Two Swedes, One Cane and the Infamous Goat Island Serial Killer

After enjoying a unique Thanksgiving dinner this year, one served up by waiters and waitresses, away from home and outside of my mom’s kitchen, I knew only one thing was in order: a long, brisk walk to work off those mega-calories.  My parents and I spent the holiday at Niagara Falls this year, so the walk required me to don a heavy coat and gloves to battle the freezing air and whipping winds.  Despite the fact it was pitch black outside, I decided to venture over to Goat Island before trekking around the edge of the Falls.  I wasn’t half-way across the first bridge before I realized that it might not have been the brightest idea to set out on a walk alone in the darkness of night.  While the Falls were packed with tourists, Goat Island was nearly deserted.

Needless to say, when I came across a young couple, strolling hand-in-hand, I was somewhat relieved.  During my earlier morning walk, nearly a dozen couples and families asked if I’d be willing to take their photos by the rapids.  So, when this couple approached, I knew I’d quickly be asking how to use yet another high-tech camera to capture their romantic moment.  As they posed, the young girl reached out towards me with something in her hand and asked me to hold it for her.  It was her cane. When she spoke she did so with the most beautiful Swedish accent.  I took the cane from her and snapped the photo.  When we were done, her husband asked if I’d be willing to stay with his wife (when he said the word “wife” they giggled and hugged each other) until he moved their rental car closer to our location.  Apparently he was smart enough to realize it wasn’t the greatest idea for a woman to be alone on Goat Island on Thanksgiving night.  We laughed, saying that despite the fact I had never heard any horror stories about the infamous Goat Island Serial Killer, it might be a good thing for me to wait with her until her husband’s return.

She and I sat down on a nearby bench and she immediately began to cry.  When I asked what was wrong, she motioned towards her cane and then said, “I have this disease. You probably haven’t heard of it.  It’s called Multiple Sclerosis, or M.S. for short.”  I smiled, but didn’t add to the conversation, choosing to just listen.  She went on to explain that she was diagnosed with the disease when she was only 18 and now despite being a much older 22, she never thought she’d be celebrating her honeymoon, with a cane, unable to walk side-by-side with her new husband for long periods of time.  I tried to offer some sentiment of hope and she cut me off.  “You wouldn’t understand,” she said.  “You are fit and strong and able to walk all around this island. You could probably outrun the Goat Island Serial Killer.  This is my future,” she said, shaking her cane. 

At this point it just didn’t feel right telling her I knew exactly how she was feeling and I couldn’t do so because I really don’t.  This young, fair-skinned Swedish beauty has a much more progressive type of M.S. than I do.  Often those diagnosed at a younger age are the ones to suffer more as they age and as the disease progresses.  (I often joke about how happy I was to be rounding the corner on 40 when I received my diagnosis – with M.S., the older the patient at the time of diagnosis, often the better prognosis). 

So, instead I told her another story.  I asked her if she had ever heard of Zoe Klopowitz.  She hadn’t.  So I told Zoe’s tale – being 61 years old and finishing this year’s New York marathon with a crutch on each arm.  Zoe, too, suffers from Multiple Sclerosis (and Diabetes) and although she finished dead last in the marathon, she finished.  And, she finished 20 others prior to this year’s.  We talked about how anything is possible, even with a cane (or crutches) or able-bodied legs.  And then her husband returned, she gave me a quick hug goodbye –the tears long replaced with visions of marathons dancing in her head.  They offered me a ride back to my hotel, but I said that I’d prefer to finish my walk (promising to promptly exit the island and move back towards bright city lights and civilization).

As I walked away, I shook my head in amazement, constantly surprised by the stories that life presents to us.  And then I turned that brisk walk into a jog and savored every moment of the return trip. 

Unexpressed Gratitude

As we approach Thanksgiving and as I rapidly approach the two-year milestone since my diagnosis, it’s obviously a time to look towards gratitude.  Freelance writer, Robert Brault once wrote, “There is no such thing as gratitude unexpressed.  If it is unexpressed, it is plain, old-fashioned ingratitude.”  I couldn’t agree more. 

So this week, I hope that we all take a moment to express sincere thanks to those who support each of us in our ongoing battles with all of life’s struggles – and to do so in whatever manner is most comfortable to each of us.  Whether it’s through a note, a call, a Facebook posting, time around a dinner table (even if that table isn’t where it once used to be), or even a gift in the mail – take the time to say “thanks.”  If you can’t say “thanks” through words, I hope you do so through actions.

Holidays can be a tough time of year for those who are unsettled in their lives and with their emotions.  Thanksgiving will always be synonymous with two things for me: my M.S. diagnosis and when I said goodbye to my pup, Oboe. When I was first diagnosed, I asked for just one more  year with Oboe, to say goodbye and to adjust and prepare. My neurologist had told me to try to avoid any major life stressors during the first year of the diagnosis — to give my brain time to adjust and heal.  I got that wish almost to the exact day.  Then Christmas came around and I received a unique present.  It’s taken me almost a year to re-read this special gift, given to me by my youngest step-child, and I did so this morning as bittersweet memories of nearly one year ago greeted me when I awoke.

I just returned from a long weekend in Naples, Florida where I was reminded of the importance of both friendship and sisterhood.  The ocean, or in this case, the Gulf, always brings me peace.  It provides an amazing spiritual outlet that affords the opportunity for letting go and for beginning anew.  That’s likely why I will eventually live with the ocean lapping near my back door.  This Thanksgiving, as my thanks to all of the thousands of readers who continue to be a support to me – and to each other – through this forum and in my life in general, I share the following photo.  I hope it brings each of you peace, serenity, and some Sunshine as well.  I hope many blessings greet each of you as we officially begin the holiday season.

The “C” Words: Chicken or Egg?

In all my conversations with other Persons with M.S., and often their caregivers, there seem to be three major questions all asked upon initial diagnosis: “Will I die from M.S.?”, “Is there a cure?” and “What the heck caused this?”  Myriad other questions often follow, but these are traditionally the top three, regardless of the order in which they are asked.

Earlier this week, a lot of discussion ensued here on My Sun Still Rises and through other email discussions about the C-Words: Cure and Cause.  You can view those discussions by clicking HERE.

I can’t imagine that anyone with an un-curable disease wouldn’t pray for a cure – if not for themselves, than for others.  I can’t tell you how many emails I receive each month from individuals professing to have found a “cure” for M.S.  Unscrupulous people prey on the fears and weaknesses of the sick all too often; charlatans are everywhere. 

Personally, I try to keep abreast of the research, but more for news of the “cause” of M.S., even before news of a “cure.”  I don’t know how anyone can cure something in its entirety when we still don’t have a solid answer to the question of the cause of the disease.  We’re fortunate that recent breakthroughs in treatments have helped hundreds of thousands live better with the disease.  However, until a cause is solidified, isn’t it unrealistic that a cure will present itself?

So, naturally, when discussions of the latest research on CCSVI (Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency) surfaced here this week, I read with interest.  I’ve been hearing about CCSVI lately, particularly how the theories identify a possible cause for M.S., along with a “cure”.

Of course, like everything having to do with Multiple Sclerosis, nothing comes easy.  Much like Tysabri (my treatment of choice), there is a risk vs. benefit issue at stake when one volunteers for CCSVI research.  There is also much controversy about the whole concept. Personally, I see CCSVI as a hypothesis and/or a manner in which progression of M.S. may be halted in some patients– and perhaps one of the most exciting theories to date.  Despite the fact that the debate about how blood flow in the brain is involved with M.S. has been going on for years, I still need more research, more details, and more information, however, before I make the jump to shouting from the rooftops about either of the “C-Words.”

 But one of the things I love about life here where the Sun shines brightly, is that we can agree, disagree and challenge each other, but all with the same purpose in mind – identifying the cause, working towards a cure, and helping each other through everything in between. 

Let’s keep this vital discussion going.

For more information on CCSVI:

CCSVI in Multiple Sclerosis on Facebook

This is M.S.

Possible New Underlying Cause of MS Investigated By Neurologists

Venous Multiple Sclerosis | CCSVI

Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) Cure for MS progression

NMSS position on CCSVI

Yes, It Really IS as Simple as a Choice

When speaking to a group of young people this week, one of them said to me: “Kim, you make it sound so easy.  Just choose to be happy, choose to be positive, choose to do something good with your life.”  Each time she spoke the word “choose”, the sarcasm was palpable.  I could tell she and a few others in the room were thinking: “This redhead is so full of it!”

The purpose of our discussion was to talk about self-esteem and positive self-image – two topics today’s young people seem to struggle so much with.  It’s understandable.  They have grown up in a time filled with instant gratification, where the media portrays life as one big party and God forbid if you don’t fit into the teenage stereotype portrayed as the “in-crowd.”  Today’s young people face adversity in ways I never even dreamed of when their age.  While they can be versatile and resilient in some cases, the data tells us that kids – and young adults – today suffer from serious self-image problems.  Add in a life challenge or two and many see their all-important self-esteem fall off into the ditch.  That’s a very dangerous combination.

While a few detractors were in the group, there were also several kids who could relate to our discussion.  Whenever I speak in public or even to smaller groups like this one, my goal is to connect with just one person, to make a difference with just one individual.  If I succeed, then I know I’ve fulfilled my role.  As we continued to talk and faces perked up, heads nodded and a few eyes sparkled, I realized more than ever that today’s young people WANT to feel good about themselves. They WANT to make a difference in this world.  They WANT to overcome whatever challenges life sends their way.  Sometimes they just need a reminder about how to get there. 

I told them that I write a blog and needed their help developing a list of ways that those with M.S. or just people in general, can strengthen their self-esteem when faced with frustrating times in their lives.  I’m so very proud of these kids – this is THEIR list for all of you. 

• Help others.  One of the best ways to make yourself feel better is to lend a hand to other people –whether they are equally as fortunate as you or less fortunate.  Commit a random act of kindness without looking for gratification or praise.
• Change how you think, change the focus of your thoughts.  Stay busy and explore new things and new ideas.  Look outside of yourself instead of only focusing on your inner self.  
• Make a list. Keep track of all the positive experiences in your life.
• Answer this question: What is my purpose in life? People – even young people – need a purpose.  Set goals (whether personal or professional) and celebrate when each goal is met.   A person’s purpose may change over time, but it’s important to know your purpose and then to try to achieve it.  If you have never asked yourself what your purpose is in this world, ask yourself that question today.  Then, do something to fulfill that purpose.
• Surround yourself with positive people.  It’s easy to get caught up in negativity and in negative behaviors.  Removing yourself from those situations and replacing the negative influences in your life with positive ones will swell the positive energy in your world.  This isn’t easy, especially when friendships and relationships hang in the balance, but it’s so much harder to choose to be positive when you are surrounded by negativity.
• Volunteer.  This is one way to help others and to surround yourself with positive people.  Give back to your community.  Choose an organization or cause that you believe in and give of yourself and of your time. 
• It’s OK to have a bad day.  Even those who try to fill their lives with happiness and that positive energy, have bad days.  Expect bad days to happen and choose to learn from them.  Move on quickly instead of dwelling on setbacks.  When you have a bad day, pull out that list of positive things you’ve written.  Remind yourself of all of the good things in your life.  A bad day, a lonely day is the perfect day to give back to your community and to help others.
• Exercise.  Get out and move and exercise with whatever capability you have.  Not everyone will be a marathon runner or a world class athlete, but your body – and mind – will appreciate a little bit of exercise each week.
• Laugh.  It’s difficult to be angry and laugh at the same time.  It’s equally as difficult to frown and laugh at the same time.  Find the humor in life and in yourself. 

Where Do You Stand on the Healthcare Debate?

Health care reform is moving forward. Now you can include many of the MS issues you’ve been fighting for — in one bill. If this issue is important to you, now you can tell your member of Congress to support the Affordable Health Care for America Act (HR 3962).
 
Any legislation must meets the needs of people with MS. If health care reform moves forward, it must…

Eliminate discrimination against pre-existing conditions, and eliminate disparities in care.
Limit out-of-pocket costs, and eliminate lifetime caps on benefits.
Provide long-term supports and services.
Create a clear pathway for the FDA to approve follow-on versions of biologic drugs.
Close the Medicare Part D doughnut hole.
Extend insurance coverage, including COBRA.
Fortunately, the Affordable Health Care for America Act does all these things.
 

People living with MS and other chronic conditions are particularly vulnerable in our current system. They rely on extremely expensive treatments. Many require long-term supports. And many receive limited care because they are underinsured.
 
You can help include these MS issues in final health care reform legislation.
 
Thank you for being an MS activist. Join the movement at www.nationalMSsociety.org/advocacy.
 
While there are components of the Affordable Health Care for America Act that the National MS Society does not have a position on, passage would help advance many of the Society’s priorities. Read more about the National MS Society’s position on health care reform.

H1N1 and M.S. – Getting the Facts Straight

I was so excited to see that Julie addressed the topic of H1N1 and M.S. in her blog this week.  I can’t tell you the number of people with M.S. who have worries that their chances of joining the Swine Flu ranks have increased just because they have Multiple Sclerosis.  Julie helps us get – and keep – the facts straight this week.  Read on….

By Julie Stachowiak, Ph.D., About.com Guide to Multiple Sclerosis
I recently got the following e-mail: “I have MS and I guess that means that I have a weak immune system because I seem to catch every cold that is going around. Once I get a cold, it turns into something worse and I end up coughing for a long time. Does this mean that I should not get the H1N1 vaccine, because is it dangerous to me with my compromised immune system?”

A. There are a couple of things going on here and I will try to clarify some points:

1. People with MS do NOT have weak or compromised immune systems. Quite the opposite, actually – our immune systems are overactive and are attacking our myelin.

2. It probably seems like you are getting sick more often than most people because of the symptoms that you are experiencing from minor infections. People with MS tend to have decreased lung function. Even people with very little noticeable disability can have lung function that is only 60 to 70% of normal. As a result, even little respiratory bugs can cause us to cough for much longer than someone without MS as these infections “settle in” to cause bronchitis or even pneumonia.

3. You absolutely SHOULD get the H1N1 vaccine. As mentioned, people with MS do not have compromised immune systems (for the record, immunocompromised people should also get the vaccine). The H1N1 virus is very dangerous to anyone who could easily develop pneumonia, which is our big risk factor due to the decreased lung function that I mentioned.

Here are a couple additional points about the H1N1 vaccine for people with MS:

• People with MS should NOT get the nasal mist version of the vaccine, as it contains live virus.
• If you are concerned about thimerosal, avoid the vaccine that comes from multi-dose vials. The single-dose syringes do NOT contain thimerosal.
• Adjuvants are not included in the flu vaccines that are used in the United States.

Read more: Should I Get the Flu Shot if I Have MS?

 

Leading MS Lifestyle Empowerment Organization Changes Name

Edwards, Colo. • Nov. 2, 2009 – Can Do Multiple Sclerosis is the new name of the nation’s leading provider of lifestyle empowerment programs for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their support partners, announced Kim Sharkey, CEO, Can Do MS.

Formerly The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Can Do MS conducted months of research, assessments, planning and strategic development to position its distinct competitive advantages in the fast-evolving field of MS care management. Based on the research, the board of directors determined the new name best reflects the organization’s core beliefs, builds a stronger brand and creates new national collaborative opportunities with organizations. This initiative of Can Do MS will expand the organization’s national reach and grow its support while helping more people change the way they see themselves living with MS.
 
“Twenty-five years ago our organization’s founder, Jimmie Heuga, introduced a pioneering philosophy of active self-care that inspired people to act on the belief that they are more than their MS,” said Sharkey. “Our new name and brand reflect our growing role as a unique educator that uses health, wellness and lifestyle principles to empower people with the knowledge, skills, tools and confidence to realize their power to create well-being and transform their lives. Our CAN DO, CAN DO 2 and JUMPSTART programs have helped thousands of people living with MS reclaim a sense of dignity, control and freedom by teaching them how to take charge of their MS and tailor lifestyle strategies to help them live their best lives.“
“We’ve spent the last three years growing our capacity, improving our governance and operational efficiency to ensure we’re a thriving organization for another 25 years,” said John Shipp, Board of Directors President, Can Do MS. “Now it’s time to focus on expanding our complementary approach to traditional medical treatments that fills a critical gap in the continuum of MS care services. Traditional medical models for managing chronic disease tend to overlook many important aspects of living with MS, including the emotional, interpersonal, mental and social health of a patient. We offer a comprehensive, personalized and interdisciplinary approach to enable people to become active co-managers of their health and well-being.”
Can Do MS connects the expertise of industry professionals from across the field of MS care management, including neurologists, psychologists, occupational and physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, registered nurses, physicians and nutritionists. It offers the industry’s top programs that address the needs, concerns and challenges of support partners, such as family members or friends. The programs allow support partners to be acknowledged, understood, accepted and respected by a community of peers and health professionals. The organization also works collaboratively with MS care providers and organizations to support the journey to more empowered living.

Can Do MS not only has a positive impact on the overall well-being of the patient, but is gaining a positive effect on the entire field of MS care management, including medical providers, allied health professionals and insurance providers, according to Sharkey. “The health care industry is now looking to comprehensive wellness programs as a viable complementary care option and clinically sound approach to reduce health care costs while improving the conditions of patients,” she said.

A national nonprofit organization based in Edwards, Colo., Can Do MS is an innovative provider of lifestyle empowerment programs that empower people with MS and their support partners to transform and improve their quality of life. For more information, visit the organization’s Web site at www.mscando.org or call 970-926-1270.

 

Sounds Like a Defense Prep

Frequent readers of the Sunshine will recall the many articles submitted by contributing writer Needles ‘n Pens.  Last week Needles emailed me her comments from a discussion board thread on M.S. World – the topic was “preparing for doctor’s visits.”  Here is what she shared:

It struck me, reading parts of this thread, how often we coach each other to go in prepared, with a list of questions, a list of symptoms, a list of tests, etc… as though preparing evidence for a hearing in which we have to prove something …as though we expect to be accused of something and have to have our defense ready …

These are our doctors that we are preparing to meet … why is it this hard? Why do I want it to be softer … why am I still expecting care and comfort rather than tests and failures …

and yet, parts of the thread also mentions bringing such information and having it received graciously and appreciatively by their doctor … while others feel it is rejected as unnecessary and tediously bothersome to theirs….

I’m very reluctant to choose sides in this debate … I tend to “go with the flow” in my once a year neurology visit … if he seems to have time and want to talk, I’ll talk, and if he seems busy and/or takes a phone call in the middle of our visit, I’m likely not to raise questions. And I’ve stopped reporting the same side effects – as I said, I see him only once a year, and don’t want to repeat myself unnecessarily.

You know, I used to be a fairly assertive person, but the longer I have this, and take these injections, the less assertive I feel…and the more polite I want to remain … and the less likely to voice discomforts as complaints … and the fewer questions that could lead to more testing and more discoveries I want to risk…

Sorry – not usually this down, but it’s what I felt when I read this thread this time … before MS, I never felt I had to be prepared for a doctor’s visit.

Needles raises a good point, about the necessity of preparation for our visits –whether to family care physicians, who so often want to blame everything on M.S. (even when it’s really only allergy season), specialists or our neurologists (or even MRI techs).  I like to call it “being your own advocate.”  Our doctors can’t read our minds, especially when we are cursed with a disease that can truly seem invisible to the naked eye. 

While being prepared for visits may indeed formalize our disease or symptoms or the realities of life with an un-curable condition, it is an unfortunate necessity (if we want to improve, feel better, and grow stronger to fight another day).  Of course this could just be the Type-A neurotic in me who was likely born with a ready-made list in my hand.   But I can’t imagine showing up for one of my required three-month neurology visits (part of the protocol when on Tysabri) without being prepped for that big courtroom drama. 

However, since no two M.S. patients are the same, I likely think no two M.S. patients handle their visits identically either.

More thoughts on the topic:

Beginner’s Guide to MS: Prepare for Your Doctor’s Visit  (not just for beginners)

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Get the most out of your visit to the doctor

Self-Advocacy Worksheet

On Being a Redhead

Earlier this week, a young college student– a truly freckle-faced, copper-headed beauty asked me if I liked being a redhead.  Apparently she is still struggling with her uniqueness and we struck up a conversation.  Of course the discussion reminded me of a 2007 Sunshine and Moonlight article that I had to revive just for the occasion – and for my new friend (who we will all hopefully see as a television newscaster someday).   Enjoy!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

As I learn more about this disease they call M.S. and its innate ability to strike fair-skinned people, most of whom are women, I began to wonder about the existence of scientific research as it relates to redheads and medical conditions.  More on that later, but first let me provide a little background on what life is like – as a redhead.

It seems many of our funniest family stories revolve around my birth.  My mom tells of the day that I was born, when she looked down, saw that I was a redhead, cried and then told the doctor to push me back in so I could cook a little longer.  She says it wasn’t because I was an ugly baby, but rather, because she knew from that moment that I would be challenged both by the sun and my fair skin.  The doctor didn’t do as requested.  In fact, he pulled me out with forceps.  For the first month of my young life, my devoted mother rubbed my head, day and night, trying to turn its cone shape into a normal round or oval.  To this day, I still have a slight bump on the top of my head and what I perceive to be a really big forehead.  Forceps = forehead.  I’m convinced.

My parents planted a tree the day I came home from the hospital.  It grew in our backyard for 39 years, shading me and protecting me from the sun.  They cut it down a few years ago.  It grew unwieldy, much like me.  They saved me a big ring of the tree because it was one of my best friends.

So there I was, entering grade school – a redhead.  An undercooked, slightly cone-headed redhead with translucent skin shaded only by the freckles that donned me from head to toe.  Throw in a full set of braces, Peter-Pan collared shirts, knee high socks and a plaid school uniform and I was a beauty!  I had the fashion sense though to hide my slips under my Aunt’s couch and in her glove compartment instead of under my skirt.  And I wore my greatest fashion accessory – my patent leather shoes — with the utmost pride.  

I hated being a redhead.

By the time my junior prom arrived, I swore I was going to be like the other bronze beauties amongst my peer group.  The day of the prom, with both of my parents away from the house for the afternoon, I bought a reflective sun tanning blanket (hey, it was the 80’s).  Sun tan oil was banned in our house.  If it wasn’t 100 SUV Proof, it wasn’t on our shelves.  So, instead, I slathered on Crisco and I fell asleep in the sun for two, straight hours.  My dad pulled in the driveway, took a deep sniff of the air and asked, “Who is cooking chicken?”  Needless to say, while all the other girls were dancing the night away with their dates, I sat at the table with my boyfriend Phil, unable to move, unable to breathe without being in pain.  I was mortified and I smelled really bad.  Eau de Chicken doesn’t go away with just one shower.

By my senior prom, I grew in intelligence, but I still wanted to be tan. I had a beautiful white gown and I wanted tawny skin beneath it.  So, I played it safe and bought the newest item on the market — self-tanning lotion.  It was called “Q.T.” (remember it)?  I’m not one for patience or for paying attention to detail, so Phil (why he was still dating me at this point I haven’t a clue – he probably asks himself that often to this day) took his date to the prom with a big, orange handprint on her left shoulder.  My hands were perfectly white from wrists to fingertips. I glowed in the dark.  I looked ridiculous but had a funny story to tell. 

I didn’t come to terms with being a redhead until my early 20s.  And, now I love it.  It’s who I am, who I’ll always be.  My red hair is the first thing you’ll notice about me when you meet me and it’s likely the last thing you’ll remember when I leave.

Only 1-2% of the world’s population has red hair. Yet, have you noticed that thousands of American women actually want to be redheads?  They’re lining up in salons and in the Clairol aisle to change their natural shades to one of a sunset.  They say that imitation is the greatest form of flattery, but I don’t get it.  Look at popular culture –our movies, our television shows.  And, think of the redheads.  We’re either portrayed as the goofy clown (a.k.a. Lucille Ball) or we’re the vixens, the vamps, the prostitutes, the nutcase women.  Even in the Bible, the characters we vilified were often portrayed as redheads.  Judas Iscariot, the bad one of the brothers Cain and Abel, the “prostitute” Mary Magdalene – all redheads. We face the terrible stereotype of being red-tempered and hot headed. Believe it or not, over the centuries, redheads have faced great discrimination and prejudice. Yet, women want to join the vixens, vamps, and vilified and they actually pay to do it.

I don’t think it’s fair.  If you want to be a redhead, you should have to suffer the translucent skin.  It’s the kind where, by mid-winter, your blue veins can practically light up the night’s sky.  You should have to endure freckles on your nose when you’re over 40! The only good thing about freckles is that in the summer they tend to grow together.  It’s the closest thing to a tan a redhead will ever see. But, one thing I won’t wish upon my non-naturally ginger sisters is the health problems that come with being a redhead.

In addition to a higher incidence of M.S. with the fair-skinned, redheads are more likely to bruise easily.  One of my former boyfriends actually gave me the nickname “Peach” because if you lightly brush my skin, it turns into a giant bruise.  We’re more sensitive to pain, have a higher risk for melanoma, need more anesthesia, and even have a higher incidence of gynecological problems.  Don’t cringe, fellas, I’m not going to go into great detail. 

Despite everything, I cherish my life and my experiences living as a redhead.  Neither of my parents have red hair.  For years, some asked if I actually belonged to the milkman.  Apparently the “mutated” gene (of course it has to be “mutated”) will most often skip a generation.  My red hair comes from two, beautiful women – my grandmothers.  My Grandma Woodle, until her last days, ensured she wore her red hair with glamour and style.  She kept it red (despite a bad stint when it was pink – I think by accident – for a short while) and she wore it proudly.  She had the personality of Lucille Ball, was lighthearted and fun.  I think I learned my sense of the comical from her.  I think my big heart and proud nature comes from Eleanor.  I never knew my Grandma Kierzek well.  She died when I was little and I know her mostly from photos and family stories.  I’m saddened that pictures were in black-and-white back then because I never grasped the true beauty of her hair or of her nature.  I’m told though that she had a fiery spirit, a strong-willed personality, and a beauty that exuded from her.  I think I developed my strength and fortitude from Nellie.  The combination of the sense of humor and that strength is what’s getting me through my battle with M.S. 

So, in honor of my grandmothers, I boast my red-headedness to the world!  If you have a young daughter who is a redhead, teach her to love her hair and love herself.  Keep an eye on her health, but don’t treat her with kid gloves. Plant a tree for her, she’ll cherish it forever.  If you’re a non-natural redhead, we genuine reds welcome you into our group.  But, now that I’ve learned a little more about my true ginger-sisters, I hold great respect for all of you in my heart.

Can Five Bloggers Actually Keep a Secret?

How can five people who blog about their lives, their aspirations and their hopes – day in and day out — keep a secret?  Well, somehow it was done.

And since I’ve been too busy to take care of my own neglected blog lately, I’m turning things over to some of the most inspirational people who have set out to help those with MS learn how to live victoriously with the disease.  Victoriously!  I love that!

If you haven’t met these folks already from traveling the blogosphere, I promise you won’t be disappointed.  Meet Lisa from Brass and Ivory, Jen from MS Strength, my gal Julie (who cracks me up almost daily) from Maybe I’m Just Lazy, the “other” Kim from My Journey with MS and of course Bill from Plates and Palates. 

They have now joined together as the Fab Five at How I Fight MS – a new site designed to educate and of course inspire us all.  I turn my blog over to these guys this week to take care of all of you!