This week is MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Awareness week. Back in 2014 almost to the day, a neurologist diagnosed me with Relapsing and Remitting MS. Towards the end of 2013, I was already experiencing symptoms, that I would soon self-diagnose myself with MS before an appointment with the doctor. It was extremely hard to walk, talk, see and have any strong motor skills during the earliest of times, the disease had no mercy. With support from Orande, who accompanied me to all my appointments, my family, and some close friends I was encouraged to pray and take it slow. At home, Orande and I changed our diet, I increased my exercise regime, worked on my motor skills but ultimately I tried to take it slow. My goal was for my wedding day in 2015 to be fully functional and no longer on medication, I met that goal.

Initially, when the first neurologist diagnosed me, he spoke to how the disease would play out in my body. Frighteningly, I listened to everything he had to say which in turn created a meltdown to Orande outside the doctor's office. How could this be my sentence? I felt completely defeated. So I pulled my strength from God, Orande and my family and was determined not to have my life play out how this disease is supposed to. Granted every day is not a good day, but now I am able to be active and speak and write the way I use to while knowing my limits. So please don’t believe the prognosis you're given for whatever ailments in life (whether physical, mental, emotional, etc.) is the only way it has to be for you. I’m unsure of where the future of this disease will take me but even in the worst of times, I believe you can choose to see the light in the dark. So don’t let your heart harden on a situation to where you feel a change is unfathomable. You can choose to simmer or you can choose to rise and only foods like soup should simmer.

Spread awareness and share knowledge with others about MS. #fightMS #MSsurvivor