They never give
up. They dream big and reach far. They
think positively and believe faithfully. They love deeply. They demonstrate courage, determination and
gratitude. They smile, laugh and sing.
They rejoice and celebrate life. These are the inspiring voices of MS—My Story.
MS—My Story is an original collection of 25 inspirational MS voices. This
unique collection includes personal stories from a range of individuals living
with multiple sclerosis. The contributing authors include individuals with a
variety of multiple sclerosis disease types.
In my work with
individuals with complex, chronic and neurodegenerative conditions my clientele
has included long-term care residents, patients in rehabilitation centers and members of the community,
including more than a few individuals living with MS. Often I have facilitated the rewarding and therapeutic
process of creating and sharing personal narratives—both oral and written, with
clients. Several narratives have left
everlasting impressions; articulating the universal messages of triumph over tragedy,
harnessing the pain, living with purpose and the power of optimism.
As I began
research in preparation for this publication, I was astounded with the quantity
and impressed with the quality of blogs, websites, chat rooms and other social
media forums available for sharing personal profiles, testimonies and
experiences of living with MS, not to mention traditional-style support groups.
The gamut of resources for patient education, expression and support are
rapidly expanding. This discovery further reinforced my purpose in producing this
collection of amazing stories as an illuminating resource for those living with
MS as well as other chronic and disabling conditions.
Why publish this collection?
My vision is
established upon the belief that a meaningful therapeutic process can be found
within these pages. I believe that
telling, writing, reading and sharing personal experiences of living with MS,
have tremendous transformative, therapeutic and healing potential. Furthermore, these documented stories will
provide comfort, support, hope and inspiration to the extended MS community and
beyond.
The myriad effects
of MS can be devastating in so many ways, to the individual as well as to their
family. Each experience is unique yet
many common themes are described. The symptoms and disabilities may be temporary,
long lasting or permanent. Effects may
include varied and multiple impairments to physical and mental health. The
ripple effect may cause compounding functional disabilities, difficulties or
crises to the individual and to
their family. Certainly, these complex challenges can be faced in a multitude
of ways with different attitudes depending upon many factors. This collection of
inspirational voices demonstrates the astonishing—often miraculous human
potential for recovery, strength, survival, growth and renewal in the face of disability
or adversity such as multiple sclerosis.
Incredibly, the
challenges, the losses, and the pain incurred by those living with MS often yield
life-affirming rewards including: gratitude, love, compassion, friendship, creativity,
humour, faith, glory, empowerment, enlightenment, personal growth, harmony and
inner peace.
The authors in
this collection include a range of remarkable individuals living with MS, including
MS ambassadors, MS advocates, trailblazers, role models and ordinary heroes.
Each author has a unique experience of living with MS and a distinctly
inspirational voice delivered with clarity, humility, integrity and passion.
These essays include
writing by individuals of all ages and diverse backgrounds. Some contributing
authors have either been published or have posted online previously and others have
not. I am privileged to have had the wonderful opportunity of lending a helping
hand in delivering their heartfelt stories.
I have been
fortunate to collect from the participating authors, stories of determination,
courage, and insight about living with the varied and complex challenges of MS.
The authors describe personal experiences including reflections and wisdom
about life with MS. Crafting the final drafts has been a creative and
meaningful partnership process.
The contributing
authors have been eager to participate in the therapeutic writing process and
have supported the transformation of their stories into this publication. My
hope is that these chronicled narratives will be a source of support and inspiration
to many others within the MS community and beyond.
Liz Pearl
Toronto
2012
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment