SP Programme de bourses: Rencontrez les boursiers pour l’année 2011

Daniel Alleyn
Penticton, BC
University of Victoria

“Come on you guys!” I was impatient, but no sooner had I bellow my cry then a stream of aunts, uncles, cousins, my parents, grandparents, and my younger sister came rushing out of my house. I leaped up from my grassy position, taking the soccer ball in my feet and pulling every “deck” and “dodge” I knew.

Soon the game was underway and everyone was having a great time. However, I had noticed my father hadn’t played any other position than goaltender.  This was the first time I had ever seen the effects of MS in my father, as well as the last memory of my father ever playing a sport.

However, considering the effect my father’s situation has had on me, I do believe I have grown into a better person and will continue to do so because of these experiences.

Anonymous

Living with a family member with MS, caused me to have learned how important my healthy body is. I appreciate the little things in life. I am glad that I can do buttons, comb my hair and run down the street, if I so desire. I do not have to plan my day with such exacting detail as my mother has to, because I have much more stores of energy that is available to her.

I have also learned to judge others favorable, since I know what it feels like to hold a secret that no one knows about. My siblings and I understand that we have to help out my mother. She is the one who keeps us all together, and we are united in our desire to make life easier for her. It is hard to always keep this in mind, but I try my best. I do not have MS, thank God, but since I have the experience of knowing and seeing how my mother lives with it, I have great appreciation for those living with this chronic disease that got thrust on them.

Anonymous

Even with what has been a symptom free year with regard to MS, I have been faced with fatigue and minor side effects from medication. MS may not be affecting me so much at this time, but it has definitely changed my life over the past year, adding a whole new set of decisions to my everyday life.  MS may not be showing through in the means of side effects at this point, but it can still be a challenge some days as I am at a very young age in my life and have realized this is always something I will have to consider.

I believe that the best defense in preparation for my future is the attainment of a solid education. I am a fighter, and if I have learned one thing from this journey, it is that knowledge can to a large degree determine an individual’s success in life. You have to be your own advocate; keeping a good head on your shoulders. I hope to further my studies in the field of Neuroscience and perhaps contribute in some way to the ongoing battle against this mysterious disease which has changed the course of my life.

Kyle Arnould
Richmond, BC
Langara College

From my perspective my life circumstance was very, very wrong. How could anyone understand? How could anyone empathize? There was a point I believed this with such conviction that I believed that life from all angles was not worth living. But at a point, several months after I submitted my first paper [to the MS Society] I thought “well, look at all the other people that wrote papers…hey there are others!” Just that thought alone was enough to alleviate a lot of stress, and since then I’ve thought about trying to find someone to talk to who has had an experience living with a parent with MS.

What I understand now is that there is hope, and that all I’ve experienced and all that I’ve felt and overcome is but a set back and perhaps even an advantage on the road of life. I’ve been able to cultivate a partially objective view of myself and of my past, largely I think due to my studies and have also found an ideal career path. I would like to earn a BA in psychology and find work as a counselor in some kind of social service. It is my belief that certain coping strategies that I’ve learned through necessity will perhaps be helpful to others experiencing their own problems.

Emilie Bastien
Woodstock, ON
University of Windsor

Being the eldest child of four children is difficult; being the eldest child of four children of a single mother who has recently been diagnosed with MS is even more difficult.

Since the diagnosis and even before the diagnosis of my mother, her symptoms and illness have been the cause of many unexpected challenges in my life. Although I try to look at these struggles with positivity, everyday still seems to be a battle.

Even through my discouragements, I try my best with being patient with the illness of my mother and accept each day I overcome as a blessing. Every day I face many difficult situations in which ultimately make me a better and stronger person.

Stéphanie Bellemare
Trois-Rivières, QC
Université du Québec a Trois-Rivières

Je suis une fille dynamique et engageante tant sur les plans académiques que professionnels. Depuis toujours, je m’engage dans divers projets, je fais des campagnes de bénévolat et je pratique des sports avec beaucoup de passion.  Depuis mon diagnostic, il y a 4 ans, j’ai décidé de saisir et de profiter de la vie encore plus que jamais. Lorsque mon diagnostic est tombé en 2006, j’ai vu plusieurs rêves s’écrouler. Néanmoins avec beaucoup de détermination, j’ai décidé d’affronter positivement cette nouvelle réalité. J’ai toujours tenté de trouver des solutions et de chercher les cotés positifs des choses. Je suis remplie de grands rêves et projets. Malgré que la SP fait partie de ma vie, je veux être une combattante. Je veux poursuivre mes rêves et mes ambitions. Je veux garder l’eSPoir. Stéphanie est éducatrice dans un centre de la petite enfance et étudiante au baccalauréat en enseignement en adaptation scolaire.

Imene Berbiche
Laval, QC
Université de Montréal

Une maladie n’est jamais facile à accepter pour une famille, d’autant plus lorsque cette dernière est chronique et que les conséquences à long terme sont imprévisibles. Il y a maintenant cinq ans que les médecins ont décelée la sclérose en plaques à ma mère. Depuis que la SP a été découverte, j’ai du être encore plus présente pour ma mère pour l’aider à passer au travers de toutes les difficultés que la maladie l’oblige à affronter. Puisque je suis sa fille ainée, depuis l’âge de 16 ans, de grandes responsabilités me tombe sur les épaules.
Je travaille très fort pour accomplir mon rêve de devenir psychoéducatrice. La motivation principale qui me pousse à persévérer à l’école est mon besoin d’aider autrui tout en ayant les outils nécessaires pour le faire. Ma persévérance vient donc du fait que j’anticipe un avenir prometteur ou le bonheur d’autrui est ma motivation centrale. J’aimerais pousser l’acquisition de mes connaissances à leur point le plus haut avec l’acquisition d’un doctorat en psychoéducation.

Kristina Berg
Valleyview, AB
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

I was six years old when my mom was diagnosed with MS. I can remember exactly what it felt like to get that news and it was terrible. For me, the defining issue around living with MS in my family is the emotional impact it has. The days where my mom has a hard time getting out of bed, or when she travels to Edmonton to see her doctor, are constant reminders that not all is well.

I’m lucky to have a family that is strong as mine. We are here for each other every day, for any issue. And the support I receive from them is remarkable. We meet all our challenges together and it keeps me strong. The strongest of us all, I'd have to say, is my mom.

Dealing with my mom's MS will never get easier. All I can do is rely on my family to be there for me as they always have, and I will always be there for them. If this illness brings anything else our way, we’ll handle it as we always have: together.

Shanda-Lynne Berns
Valleyview, AB
University of Alberta

Having a parent with Multiple Sclerosis has given me a much different perspective on life than others, and has taught me to never take the little things for granted. My mother has been battling MS for 16 years, and never have I been in such awe of an individual. Raising 5 children - all hotheaded and stubborn may I add – and running a busy cattle farm, my mother has proven to me that with an enormous amount of faith and willpower in yourself and those you love, you can achieve anything.

Not only has my mother refused to let he disease take over her life, her strength has touched every one of her children in the best possible way. I have learned from my mother having Multiple Sclerosis that if you have strong willpower, perseverance, and a family that loves you unconditionally, you can do anything.

Vanessa Boulianne
Newmarket, ON
Nipissing University College

My dad was diagnosed with MS in 2004 when I was 10 years-old.. I look up to my dad. He is my hero. I admire his courage and strength. I envy his positive attitude. I love his sense of humour. You would not be able to tell that he is affected with MS. He continues to live his life with happiness surrounded with people who love him. I am grateful for what we have to deal with because it could be worse. He brightens my day and pushes through his tiredness to make sure my brother and I are having a good time and are happy. He puts his children and his wife first and himself last.

I have faith in my mother because she keeps everything from falling apart and I know that she will keep my father on his toes and will help him push through his condition. However, my father assures me that he will be fine and that it is my turn to go out into the world and leave my mark.

Guillaume Brault
Saint-Colomban, QC
École Polytechnique de Montréal

Je crois que la sclérose en plaques a produits des changements majeurs dans ma vie. Depuis que mon père a reçu son diagnostic en 1998, ma vie, tout comme celle des membres de ma famille, a prise un autre chemin. Vers la fin de ma troisième année au secondaire, mon père est revenu de son travail comme à tous les jours. Toutefois, il ne s’est jamais levé de son siège. C’était la dernière fois que je l’ai vu marcher. C’est à partir de ce moment que je considère que mon père a vraiment été atteint par la sclérose en plaques. Depuis ce jour, la clé de la réussite est l’adaptation.

Nous devons maintenant trouver les moments de bonheur dans les petits gestes car les activités familiales ont changé. L’important est de continuer à réaliser les activités que l’on faisait avant. La différence est que nous ne pouvons plus les vivre de la même manière.

Jasmin Brinovcar
Woodstock, ON
University of Guelph

This disease has truly changed my life in countless ways, even though it is not me personally who has Multiple Sclerosis. My mother was diagnosed with MS around 10 years ago, and since then, things have been extremely difficult for me and my family. Though MS affects everyone differently, the families seem to experience similar distresses, care-giving and financial responsibilities among them. For me and my family, these two are very closely related.

My mother is my inspiration and as of right now, my primary responsibility is to make her proud. Knowing that through fulfilling my responsibilities I am making my mother proud, has made me an entirely different person. It has changed my life and made me the person I am today. My family has faced many challenges and will continue to face more, but in the end, family come first and always will, whatever the cost.

Catherine Calestagne
Repentigny, QC
Université du Québec a Montréal

Le quotidien de notre famille a grandement été affecté. Nous étions déjà proche les uns des autres avant la maladie de ma mère mais celle-ci nous a quand même permis d’être « tissé » plus serré.

Ces trois dernières années m’ont prouvé que j’ai une famille formidable. Ensemble, nous avons surmonté le choc et nous monterons la pente tous ensemble car nous sommes forts! Nous continuons de surmonter les épreuves que la vie nous envoie et celles à venir.

Gerard Coughlin
Whitehorse, YT
University of Calgary

Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating disease that profoundly affects both the afflicted individual and their family. Our lives have all been affected profusely by my father’s MS, highlighting a key point about the disease: MS is a disease which not only affects the individual’s physical functioning, but also the social and psychological functioning of the entire family.

I realize that I am not an expert in the field, but as someone who has witnessed firsthand the progression of the disease and the effects it can have on both the individual and their family, I can attest to the need for both medical intervention and social and psychological support. Such a holistic approach to treatment and management is required to give the individual and their family the best chances to successfully manage the disease while maintaining the family life that existed before onset.

Stephanie Cukier
Thornhill, ON
University of Guelph

My father has been struggling with the effects of Multiple Sclerosis for the majority of my life, and the disease has, in turn affected my entire family. This emotional strain that I feel is for my father’s future, but also for my future. A few years ago my aunt, my father’s sister, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis as well. This reinforces the strong genetic component of this disease, and it scares me for my own future as well as the future of my unborn child.

We have worked through it as a family and ultimately grown stronger because of it. I have helped my father physically and emotionally deal with the stress of his disease, and because of that we have grown closer. I would give anything for my father never to have been afflicted with such a disease, but since he has I am relieved that they mad such tremendous progress in treating it. However, I continue to look forward to the day when my father can eagerly declare, "I am cured".

Kaitlin Curtiss
Port Colborne, ON
Brock University

I was told that I had Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 13. Although the diagnosis was devastating, it was also somewhat a relief. After being in the dark as to what was happening in my own body for so long, I was happy for the feeling of closure that came with the diagnosis.

Despite the many difficulties in my life caused by Multiple Sclerosis, MS has also had positive influences on me. It has taught me to have hope and empathize with people who were also in difficult situations. It has also inspired me to pursue a degree in Neuroscience and a medical degree with the ultimate goal of becoming a neurologist that can impact the lives of people with neurological diseases the way my doctors have impacted mine.  Even though living with MS is not easy, having the disease has strengthened my faith and has taught me to appreciate what I have been given: an excellent family, a wonderful group of friends, and big dreams.

Pasquale Demers
Gatineau, QC
Cegep de L’outaovais

Depuis le diagnostic de la maladie de mon père, les choses à la maison ont beaucoup changé. Que ce soit au niveau des responsabilités familiales, des responsabilités financières ou encore des défis relier à la sclérose en plaques, tout à énormément changé. A tous les jours nous devons nous adapter. Bien que la maladie soit bien loin d’être la meilleure chose qui m’est arrivé je ne peux pas dire que c’est la pire, car j’ai encore mon père auprès de moi.

Comme une de mes enseignantes m’a souvent répété : « Il y a toujours un coté positif, même quand on croit qu’il n’y a que du négatif ».

Natassja Dorotich
Coquitlam, BC
University of Victoria

The main changes MS has made in the course of my life are on my experiences growing up, my family’s dynamic, and my relationship with my father.

Over the years our time spent together as a family lessened and our relationship with one another changed. However, in recent years we have found a way to overcome this and now have a new family activity we enjoy together.  We often go on evening outings to dinner and to the theatre – something we all enjoy that has brought us closer as a family. Having found this new way of spending time with each other has been very important for our family.

Ultimately the challenges posed by MS have strengthened me and my family as we have found ways around them and to overcome them. I am grateful for the qualities I have developed and increased by having MS in my life. Although it has most certainly not had an overall positive impact on mine, my family’s and my father’s lives, it has not been completely negative. My family and I have learned to live with MS.

James Folk
Blackfalds, AB
University of Calgary

MS has meant many things to me over the years. My mother was diagnosed with it not long after I was born, so in a sense, I’ve never had a life without it. 

MS took away my chance to be “normal” and I didn’t have a say in the matter. Despite that, or perhaps because of it, I have matured and grown in a different way than I might have otherwise, and I can’t help but see the value in having grown up the ways I did.

So, for all the negativity and added responsibility I had to assume at a young age, MS in my life has been bittersweet. It directed my life down a path that I wouldn’t have chosen, and it forced me into the reality of how frail life can be, but it also have me the drive and mindset to go somewhere with my life and achieve my own goals, something I might have been too afraid to do otherwise.

Sean Gareau
London, ON
University of Western Ontario

I didn’t even know my mother has MS until I was about 12 years old; she had always seemed fine. But as I got older and more mature her condition matured as well.  I still don’t know the extent of her disease, but I know enough. I think I prefer it that way because it makes her illness seem less real.

Yes, my life is different and less convenient but good things came from my Mom’s MS too. I do believe it makes me a better person who will be able to deal with the adversities that lay ahead. Plus I feel more mature and I get treated like an adult now that I am doing adult chores around the house. The opportunity to step up and become an adult has definitely made me a better person, but this was not the way I hoped to become an adult.

Eve-Marie Girard
Blainville, QC
McGill University

Comme mon père se trouvait limité dans ses déplacements, ma mère se trouvait parfois seule et troublée au cours de diverses activités, des sorties et des épreuves normalement vécues en compagnie de son conjoint. Mes parents tournèrent alors vers leurs trois enfants et leur demandèrent d’aider car ils avaient besoin d’un coup de main supplémentaire. Aujourd’hui nous  réunissons nos efforts pour que mon père puisse remettre les pieds sur la terre ferme. Quel trajet, quel détour, quelle veine nous permettra d’y arriver? Nous ne sommes pas certains mais la rage qui brûle dans notre cœur afin de comprendre cette maladie nous poussera à nous battre jusqu'à notre dernier souffle.

Olivier Girard
Blainville, QC
Collège Lionel – Groulx

La plupart des maladies peuvent être guéries, mais certaines sont permanentes et incurables. Parmi ces dernières, il y a la sclérose en plaques. Cette mystérieuse maladie à attaqué les jambes de mon père, le forçant à se déplacer en chaise roulante depuis les quatre dernières années.

La SP à eu plusieurs impacts dans ma vie. Quelques-uns ont été bénéfiques et d’autres dévastateurs. Les responsabilités familiales accrues m’ont rendu plus mature et m’ont aidé sur le plan scolaire.

Il est très difficile de voir quelqu’un être incapable d’utiliser ses jambes tandis que moi, je peux.  Je dois affronter cette situation chaque jour, lorsque je reviens de l’école. J’ai appris à vivre avec la situation et en discutant avec mon père, j’ai réussi à atténuer ce sentiment.  Il m’arrive souvent de me demander ce que serait la vie si mon père n’avait pas été touché par la SP, mais je crois que j’arrive très bien à vivre avec ceci.

Anne Goulet
Montréal, QC
Université Laval

J’ai appris le diagnostique de la sclérose en plaques de ma mère a l’âge de cinq ans. A ce moment la, j’étais trop jeune pour comprendre les conséquences que cette nouvelle aurait sur ma vie. Étant donne que la maladie de ma mère s’est augmentée graduellement tout au long des années. 

Le plus grand défi pour moi est de ne pas savoir comment sera l’état de ma mère dans cinq ou dix ans. Sera-t-elle encore capable de marcher ou devra-t-elle se déplacer en fauteuil roulant? Pourra-t-elle continuer d’effectuer ses courses elle-même?  Ce sont ce genre de questions qui traversent mon esprit chaque jour. Je suis toutefois persuadée que nous resterons une famille unie, et même si cela ne sera surement pas toujours facile, je serai toujours prête à supporter ma mère dans sa maladie.

Justine Goulet
Montréal, QC
Cegep Maisonneuve

Dans ma famille, c’est ma mère qui est atteinte de la sclérose en plaques. Quand elle a reçu le diagnostic, j’étais âgée d’environ deux ans. Puis, vers mes 10 ans, j’ai vu que la maladie évoluait de plus en plus. Ma mère avait encore moins d’équilibre qu’avant et se fatiguait encore plus rapidement. C’est durant cette période que la SP à commencer a prendre une grande place dans ma vie et celle de ma famille. Nous avons certainement plus de responsabilités qu’autrefois. Nous l’aidons du mieux que nous pouvons en effectuer plus de taches domestiques a la maison pour ne pas trop épuiser ma mère.

Il faut apprendre à vivre avec cette maladie qu’est la sclérose en plaques et voir le bon côté de toutes les choses qui nous arrivent dans la vie.

Marc-André Goulet
Gatineau, QC
Université d’ Ottawa

Lorsqu’on m’a appris que mon père souffrait de sclérose en plaques, j’étais encore trop jeune pour comprendre tout ce que cela impliquait. C’est au fil du temps que j’ai compris que cette maladie prend du temps a progresser et que petit a petit, elle s’attaquait a mon père, a ma famille et a moi. Certes, aujourd’hui, je comprends très bien ce que cette maladie implique et qu’elle n’apparait pas du jour au lendemain.

Afin de pouvoir survivre a toutes les conséquences de la maladie, on doit rester ensemble, se tenir les coudes, sinon, c’est impossible. On doit tous tenter d’en tirer le meilleur et de développer son sens des responsabilités envers les autres. Mes parents m’ont offert beaucoup et c’est par différents moyens que je leur en suis redevant.

J’aime beaucoup mes parents et la meilleure manière de leur montrer, c’est de leur fournir mon aide afin de surmonter la maladie.

Julie Hautcoeur
Sainte-Thérèse-de-Gaspé, QC
Université du Québec  a Rimouski

Depuis que ma mère a reçu son diagnostic de sclérose en plaques en 1997, notre dynamique familiale a beaucoup change. Il a fallu s’adapter. Avant que l’on découvre qu’elle était atteinte de la sclérose en plaques, ma mère était infirmière. Âpres l’école secondaire, j’ai décidé de m’inscrire au Cegep de la Gaspésie et des iles en soins infirmier. J’ai l’intention de continuer mes études à l’université du Québec Rimouski pour devenir infirmière clinicienne.  Le fait d’être en soins infirmières m’aide encore plus à comprendre la SP et comment ma mère vit avec sa maladie. En plus de comprendre davantage toutes les répercussions sur son système et le fonctionnement biologique de cette maladie neurologique, je comprends mieux comment elle se sent et j’ai de meilleurs outils pour l’aider. Je compte continuer d’apprendre  sur cette maladie pour que la vie de ma famille continue d’être adaptée aux limitations qu’impose la maladie dont souffre ma mère.

Amélie Hebert
Montréal-Est, QC
Cegep Maisonneuve

Tout a commence lorsque j’étais jeune. Environ l’âge de 6 ans j’ai appris que mon père avait la sclérose en plaques. A cet âge, je n’étais pas vraiment consciente de la situation. Cependant, années âpres années, j’ai vu mon père s’affaiblir.

Ce que je trouve remarquable chez mon père c’est que même avec sa maladie il ne sait jamais apitoyé sur son sort. Il a un sens de l’humour remarquable et il est entoure de pleins d’amis qui l’apprécient énormément. Il est le meilleur papa au monde.

Notre famille a vécu plusieurs émotions montagnes russes, mais a la longue la SP n’est simplement qu’un petit défaut a cet homme parfait qui est mon père.

Amanda Herlein
St. Albert, AB
University of Calgary

I have only been diagnosed with MS for 8 months. Since being diagnosed I have had many struggles related to MS; however, it has also shown me the value of my friends and family.

I thought my educational background would have prepared me for a diagnosis such as MS; and sure, I understood what I should expect to be feeling, and I knew how to do research and educate myself, but emotionally I didn’t know what to expect. After, people would tell me that it’s ironic that I chose [disability studies]. At first, I was shocked, and a little insulted when I heard this from people; now, however, I see that I can use my personal experience to enhance the work I do with others. Recently mu uncle was diagnosed with Relapsing Progressive MS. While our current situations are quite different, I have a larger base of information and connections to the different options related to MS in our community. I n my future profession, I hope to be able to do the same thing from the people I work with, as I was able to do for my uncle.

Sean Hurtig
Delta, BC
British Columbia Institute of Technology

When someone you love is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, I personally can vouch that it is the most devastating feeling in your life. First, I had to understand what the disease was. At ten years old, it was pretty hard. All I understood was that there were scars in my dad’s brain, and that somehow they caused the crazy symptoms that could bring him to tears and cause chaos in our house.  Often, the symptoms would get so bad that it would be like a dark cloud in the atmosphere, crippling not only him but affecting me as well. But my dad’s no quitter, and so he went on a personal sabbatical to discover what it would take to overcome this disease – if he had the strength and capability within himself, he would do what it takes.

My dad believed that there are many factors which affect MS, but only three that are under his control – diet, exercise and lifestyle.  He spent hours researching MS, compiling huge volumes of his own internet research into the subject. Finally he came up with a model which contributed to the good condition he is now – and one which has inspired me to change my life forever.

Thomas Johnson
Winnipeg, MB
University of Winnipeg

Having someone with MS in your family definitely changes the way you live and run your life. Adjustments can be made to work around the situation, because the one thing that doesn’t change when someone in your family has MS is how much you love them.

Dealing with MS in the family puts a lot of stress on all of the family members, not only the person who has MS. Having the MS Society as a support has really helped [my mother] through. It makes her feel like she has a community of people for support that she can better relate to, because no one can relate better to someone with MS than someone who actually has MS.

Even though MS changes some things, MS cannot change the important things, how my family cares for each other, and the fact that time and money mean nothing compared to the health of a loved one. This is why I do these things for my mom.

Carli Kadish
Toronto, ON
Queens University

Having a parent with degenerative condition such as multiple sclerosis requires all members of the family to make physical, financial and emotional adjustments. My brother and I received incredible support from my extended family. Our aunts and uncles took us to movies; skating and mini-golfing with our cousins on a regular basis when my mother became unable to participate of facilitate our participation in such activities. It was because of the generosity that my extended family showed that I maintain an incredibly close bond with them. Additionally, seeing my mother’s progression through the stages of MS has made me more able to empathize, understand and help others who have physical or emotional issues.

Growing up with a parent who has multiple sclerosis has not been easy. However, if anything it has taught me that every day is a gift. I appreciate the simple things in life much more because of my mother. I believe that truly understanding to take advantage of my time on earth is the most valuable and important thing that my mother’s MS has taught me.

Joel Kadish
Toronto, ON
University of Western Ontario

As most people would expect, living with a parent who had Multiple Sclerosis is not easy. The added chores and responsibilities of daily life are not always the easiest nor simplest of tasks. Seeing my mom struggle with everyday tasks was not always easy to be around, especially because I thought then that it could only get worse as time passed. However, no matter how bad her situation got, my mom always tried to take an active role in my life. She always wanted to know what I was doing with regards to school and extra-curricular activities, and always tried to put her kids before herself.

My mom has been a major part of who I am today. Because of her I am a more calm, understanding, grateful and self-motivated person.  There are many things that my mom was never able to do for me because of her disability, but in spite of that my mom has given me the inspiration to work hard, challenge myself and be the best person that I can be day in and day out.

Ashley Kelleher
Kitchener, ON
Queens University

It is an understatement to say I wouldn’t be half of the person I am today if it weren’t for the steady inspiration of [my mother’s] especially optimistic, grounded outlook throughout 22 years.

For [my mother] is the most cherished, loved and inspirational role model. It is interesting that suffering caused to people living with terrible diseases like MS, doe sat best seem to bring out the lustrous endurance and adaptability of the human spirit.  I am so grateful to be here for my mother, who has always gone the unnoticeable extra miles to care for me, and has showed me what it really means to give others your very best, to never wallow in self-pity, to stay strong, to recharge when you need to, to accept your limits and abilities with a gratefulness for what you do have, rather than for their context as “disabilities”.

I hope so much that a cure is near for all of those who do suffer, and that until it is found we can continue to wait with an empowered mental state of appreciation for the comfort of what are life’s veritably endless pleasures, from any level of physical ability.

Samuel Kennedy
Fall River, NS
St. Mary’s University

Living with MS in my life has not been a totally negative experience. Although I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone, or have it in my life if I had a choice, it has taught me to preserve and has given me a strong work ethic. It has brought my family closer together both in terms of our ability to work as a unit, and our ability to love each other. And it has provided me with a positive outlook on life because when your situation is so dire, you can’t afford to have anything else. However, there is still one thing I’m sure of. I always hear people complain about the most trivial things, such as mowing the lawn or shoveling the driveway. When I hear that, I can only laugh and be that thankful  that I have a lawn to mow, a driveway to shovel, and a loving family to share it with.

Sydney Kerslake
Bright’s Grover, ON
University of Guelph

Living with Multiple Sclerosis is not easy. It’s a challenge to live an ordinary life. I am thankful that my MS was recognized so early, but having to deal with the effects of the disease is difficult and occasionally confusing.

When I was in the 8th grade, I began to feel extremely exhausted for no apparent reason. My vision was affected and I was starting to feel a tingling sensation in my hands and legs. I went to my doctor with my mom and I remember seeing a poster titled MS. I asked my mom what that was and she said not to worry, I would never have to deal with something like that. I found out later that the initial diagnosis was a brain tumor but then they found traces of what appeared to be Multiple Sclerosis.

I’ve come to terms with my MS, but I pray that they’ll someday find a cure so no one else has to go through this. MS has changed me, and in my mind, made me a more appreciative person. For now, I am just taking it each day at a time.

Joel Keshwah
Scarborough, ON
University of Toronto

Being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis two and a half years ago had left me feeling a variety of emotions including fear, sadness and anger. This was a disease I knew little about, but one that has changed my life leading to a number of challenges that I must face everyday. However, by remaining optimistic and focusing on my life goals, I continue to work hard to overcome obstacles that may arise.

I have faced my greatest challenge so far from September 2010, since I was no longer covered by my parents’ health and drug plan. This meant I had to seek public assistance in covering the costs associated with my treatment.  The process of applying was quire stressful since I had to wait almost 3 months before learning that I was granted assistance. I was afraid that being denied assistance would be a loss of hope in treating and overcoming my condition.

Sadness, fear and anger are still emotions I continually experience living with MS. This condition has left me wondering whether I will be able to reach my goals. I have family and friends that provide much needed support to get through these difficult times. In addition, this disease helped me recognize an inner strength I didn’t know I had, to face and overcome these challenges.

Sarah Kulawic
Beamsville, ON
Algoma University College

When I was one and a half years old, my father was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The doctors told him he would never walk again, and that he would be raising a daughter from the seat of his wheelchair.

However, from the very moment he was diagnosed, my Dad never let MS get the better of him and he was determined to do whatever it took to stand, to walk, to raise a daughter on his two feet. By the time I was six years old, my dad was walking and for 11 years following his diagnosis, my dad did just that. A few years ago, his MS progressed and he can now no longer walk on his own and uses a wheelchair when we go out into public. However, my dad has not lost his determination to raise daughters that look up to him in every aspect of our life.

From the time my father was diagnosed, I seemed to automatically understand that I had extra responsibilities. From trying his shoelaces in the morning to making him lunch on the weekends. Although I may be looking down at my dad in a wheelchair, there is no other man I look up to more. He shows strength people would deem impossible, he never let his illness get him down and he is always there as a supportive father and great role model. I enjoy being able to look people in the eye and tell them that while my dad has MS, MS does not have my dad.

Thomas LeBlanc
Kentville, NS
Nova Scotia Community College

In the last 12 months, I have gone from working 40+ hours a week doing a hard technical and physical career that I loved, to not being able to meet the physical requirements of my career, resulting in my job loss. My MS is progressing and now I have trouble using my right hand. I cannot write by hand anymore as I am losing the use of my right side, and I am right-handed. I am also having more and more trouble walking, as well as trouble with spasticity.

I plan on returning to school in the fall to take Business Administration. As of now, I am leaving my options open, and I believe that I am well suited for Business Administration based on my skill set, my family needs and the research I have done on the business sector in my area. I believe this is a realistic career that I can excel in and I believe returning to school will help me with networking and making industry contacts.

Rebecca MacIntyre
Charlottetown, PE
University of New Brunswick

MS is a very slow and progressive disease that has slowly mad its way into mine and my family’s life. Although I do not have MS, I feel that I have seen the effects as up close and personal as you can get.

While it’s happening, you don’t really notice the MS, it’s only now that I look back through the memories I have with my father that I can pick out the exact moments of when I would see him get worse. MS can have a huge impact on not only the person affected but also the people that are close to them.

MS can have a huge impact on not only the person affected, but also the people close to them. MS has put my family through many struggles, financially and emotionally. As I grow older, I am gaining a better understanding on just how much my father has gone though in the thirty-three years since he was first diagnosed with the disease. My family is different from others as we cannot travel or go out together because of the MS. However, we are all very close and we all love my father very much for how hard he has worked at being a good father, while fighting MS.

Brittny MacPhee
Upper Leitches Creek, NS
St. Francis Xavier University

I have been away at University for the past two years studying towards a Health Science degree in Human Kinetics. I enjoy this field of study because I have been able to learn new stretches to work with my father to increase his mobility and new strategies to help create positive psychological functioning. I feel that I have a responsibility to help motivate my dad to improve his quality of life by performing exercising and stretching routines daily.

Multiple Sclerosis opens your eyes to a lifestyle that is filled with obstacles, barriers and challenges. I was exposed to this disease at an early age and I believe it has allowed me to evolve as a person. Growing up with MS in my family has influenced me to become a responsible and appreciative individual. My dad’s disease has taught me how to be compassionate and has allowed me to understand the true meaning of hope, strength and perseverance in life.

Trevor Marchewka
London, ON
University of Toronto

My dad has MS. He contracted this disease long before I was born. I have had no other image of my dad other than him being in a scooter or a wheelchair. When I was young, it was quite normal to see my dad always sitting. My dad told me when I was very young, he used to hold me in his arms and I rode with him in his wheelchair. My mother pushed us as we made our way through our favourite shopping mall.

My dad and his MS have had a profound impact on my life. I understand how difficult it is for people in scooters and wheelchairs to do “normal” things. I’ve seen how other people take these normal things for granted as they rush by in their everyday lives. Living with my dad’s MS has taught me to never take even the simplest things for granted and it has taught me to always offer my help when needed.

David Markus
Surrey, BC
Simon Frasier University

Although significant, the impact that multiple sclerosis has had upon my family cannot be absolutely defined as negative. When my father was diagnosed more than ten years ago, it definitely changed the structure of our family. However, having two loving parents to go home to as a kid going through high school, was an enormous relief. Despite the obvious challenges of family ski trips, runs or sports games that never seemed to bother any of us very much. It’s clear to me that being limited in some aspects made each of us stronger in others.

It’s clear to me that being limited in some aspects made each of us stronger in others. Being able to see my father fight his disease with a smile, never once showing any sign of a weakened spirit has set an example for me in all my endeavors. In my own life, I will never regard a challenge or task to be as difficult as fighting MS. The battle against MS has made me realize that fulfillment can only be acquired through fighting for what you want.

Troy Mellen
St. Catharines, ON
Brock University

I was too young to remember the exact year or date that my mother was diagnosed with MS. The only memory I have of that time was a lot of tears in the household. I was 5 years old. Living with a mother that has Multiple Sclerosis has always been part of my life. It has always been just me and my mother, facing life’s challenges together.

As the young man of the house, I always had a large number of responsibilities and chores both at home and outside the house. My mother always did and still does help as much as she can when it comes to things like yard work or driving me places. I have learned great work ethic, drive and determination from my mother. As I get older, my duties around the house have of course increased. I am still working 2 part-time jobs and pay for many things in order to help my mom with her financial obligations. I have learned the importance of good health and good physical fitness and plan to continue my studies in Kinesiology, Physical Fitness and become a teacher.

Daniel Millerd
Salt Spring Island, BC
University of British Columbia

At age 30, my father was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Like all others diagnosed with a degenerative disease, he faced the usual questions. Will it hurt? How much longer do I have? And will I be able to take care of my family? For a man in his thirties with a young family at home, I can only imagine the impact of that last question. My dad’s diagnosis was nearly thirty years ago now. As he transitions from cake to walker, and from walker to wheelchair, I am happy to know that as he looks at his four children he sees my older sister training to be a paediatric nurse, my brother performing as one of Canada’s top budding jazz musicians, my little sister tasting the first experiences of travel and myself. Despite the financial and emotional consequences of my dad’s illness, I found myself in good company around the dinner table.

There is no doubt my Dad’s struggle with MS has been a challenge to our family, and needless to say I would never wish such hard times on anybody. Yet in all tragedies, there is something positive. In my life, these challenging experiences have taught me not to take anything for granted. When in health, we must search for the activities that make us happy and the life that brings us purpose.

Devon Mills
Head of Jeddore, NS
Mount St. Vincent University

Living with a family member with MS is learning to continuously adapt. Each and every day isn’t the same. My mother is still able to walk and do many other things typical parents are able to do, although at times, she is in need of assistance to do this. I did begin to notice a decrease in her energy levels due to extreme fatigue and mental capabilities. It was at this time, that I began to help out with many household chores and miscellaneous tasks, such as preparing my lunches for school, cleaning etc.

Although there are disadvantages of having a parent with MS such as physical activities that we used to do together and are unable to do anymore, and not being able to visit hot climates, it makes you realize what is really important and not to take things for granted. I believe that having a parent with MS has actually made me more independent and more sympathetic to those with disabilities. Overall, MS has become a part of every family member’s life to some degree. Not just the person with MS adjusts; the whole family learns to adjust because we are a family.

Taylor Morin
California Settlement, NB
St. Thomas University

My mother being diagnosed with MS has affected my family and me personally in many ways. One way that I have noticed my family affected by MS is how we can no longer take planned family trips away from home. Because of this, we rarely get out and when we do, we are often limited by what we can do.

It is very hard to watch your mother suffer and know that you can’t depend on her on those days the way that you are used to. She is a great woman and would do anything for anyone at any time no matter how sick she was.

I feel that MS has affected me personally, emotionally, academically and financially. I know that I face greater adversities than my friends who are not affected by MS but I will not let this stop me because I know that my mother does not let it stop her either.

Kia Ohora
Brockville, ON
University of Western Ontario

My mom has had MS for my entire life. Her disease has always been somewhat of a hard topic to talk about. Some days I wonder what life would be like if my mom didn’t have MS. Things would definitely be easier. I wouldn’t have to live with the constant fear that my mother would be back in the hospital after a bad attack. I wouldn’t have to worry about her being along all day. And most of all, I wouldn’t have to worry about what the inevitable future holds for my mother, a thought that truly terrifies me.

I should tell you that what surprises me most about my mom having MS is the incredible strength she exudes on a daily basis. She is the most positive, happy and inspiring person I know. She is constantly putting the needs of others before her own and she refuses to pity herself. She takes each day as it comes and is thankful for all that she has; a quality that I admire greatly and wish I possessed.  I’ve learned more than I could possibly tell you from my mother. Her having MS has forced me to be very independent at an early age. MS is a disease that no one should have to suffer through, least of all my mother. But I stay hopeful that one day, we will find a cure. We have to.

Marcail Patrie
Ryley, AB
Augustana University College

Due to the severity of MS, it has affected my family because for the last three years, it feels as if we have lost our mother to this terrible disease of the brain. She is not the same preson she was during my younger years and she seems to have lost the physical ability to be part of my life.

Living with MS in my family has created financial, emotional and dependable burdens. It has disconnected me from my mother but MS has affected me personally by helping me realize the importance of family and the significance of a strong connection with family during hardship and devastation.

Due to the extended responsibilities that I had to take on for myself because of my mother’s condition has made me a better person even if it has been stressful, because it has made me a responsible, caring individual which I am proud to be.

Amanda Piron
King City, ON
University of Toronto

I have been involved with the MS Society since I was 18. I was diagnosed two days before I turned 17 and since then, I have never stopped fighting and battling and doing everything in my power to live a full life. But like all realizations, this took a while. When I was diagnosed, I wasn’t exactly happy. It’s not easy to be a regular kid when you have a progressive neurological disease. I struggled with how to wear my MS and for awhile, I saw it as a deformity or thought maybe I was inferior to “healthy” people.

In 2008, I began to be involved with the MS Society and decided to go to the MS Summer Camp. It is tough to be young and even tougher to be a young person forced to deal with issues beyond your age. Ever since camp, I know that when I am going through something, I am not alone. My friends are just a Facebook message or text or phone call away and that is all most young people with MS want: someone who understands them, someone like them.

Justin Raimbault
St. Clements, ON
University of Waterloo

My father was diagnosed with MS four years ago. Since then, many things have changed in my life because of MS, and not all of the changes were predictable. My dad now takes medications daily, which does not cure him, but merely slows the effects of his disease.

The effects of my father’s disease can be noticed in the way my family related to each other, for better or for worse. It has helped us appreciate each other more because we realize we will not always have each other. MS also lets us be more thankful for each other and in a way has brought us closer together as a family. Even though MS could potentially paralyze my father’s body, it won’t paralyze my family’s relationship with him.  

In fact, we will probably grow closer. My dad could be perfectly fine in ten years, or he might be greatly affected by MS, but either way, I will not forget how lucky I am to have my dad right now.

Katelynn Renaud
Lasalle, ON
University of Windsor

My family has been battling the effects of my mother’s primary progressive MS for almost 11 years now. I still remember when my parents told me in grade 1 that we were moving to a more accessible house because my mom had MS and that there was no cure for this disease. At age six, I already knew this meant her health would start to decline significantly.
 
My mom is one of the strongest people I know. She tries to overcome every obstacle MS throws at her and my family. She has no mobility whatsoever, yet she still maintains a positive attitude. She is always willing to listen to my problems and offers the most supportive advice she can. Even when my mom is embarrassed by the effects of her MS, she still faces the world with an optimistic smile and a caring heart. Like everyone, she sometimes has her moments when she breaks down and needs our support to help her regain her happiness. My family is hoping for a miracle cure to MS. Until then, we will try our best to keep working together to help my mom with her everyday needs and support each other so we do not let MS control our lives. In my family, MS will never dictate what we can achieve.

Jessica Segal
Thornhill, ON
University of Western Ontario

Living with a parent with Multiple Sclerosis comes with many challenges and obstacles, but has made me truly appreciate my family and the value of my life. My mother was diagnosed with MS in June 2008m a period of instability and uncertainty typical of the onset of the disease. Watching my mother get so sick was heartbreaking. MS not only attacked her physical abilities, but her mental capacity to remember the past and be aware of her surroundings. Through perseverance in time of hardship and commitment to one another, my family remained very close despite the strain of the disease. Today, two years after being through the hospital and rehabilitation for many months, my mother upholds a positive outlook on life and living with MS. We are thankful for everyday that her condition remains stable.

Being involved in the MS community is also important to my family who partake in the Walk for MS every year, raising both money and awareness for those affected by the disease.

I am currently enrolled in the Media and Public Interest program which focuses on human rights and social justice. My career goals include working in the non-profit realm. Like my mother, I possess a deep sense of home that there will one day be a cure for MS.

Shahrzad Shab Afrouz
Saint-Laurent, QC
McGill Université

Apprendre qu’un proche est atteint d’une maladie incurable n’est jamais une nouvelle qui est acceptée avec enthousiasme. Pourtant, dans mon cas, j’ai appris que les mots « sclérose en plaques » ne définissent que les grandes lignes de l’impact de cette maladie sur une personne diagnostiquée. Or, chaque personne est unique. Ma mère avait comme rêve de mettre sur pied un groupe financier. Elle s’est lancée dans des études supérieures en gestion à HEC, mais malheureusement, les conséquences reliées à sa maladie ne lui ont pas permis de réaliser son objectif  dans le délai voulu.

Considérant ma situation familiale, j’ai compris que ma présence est indispensable au succès de notre entreprise familiale.  J’ai alors décidé de me lancer dans le monde du commerce.

Katrina Sopow
Summerland, BC
Okanagan University College

Having a mother that is diagnosed with a disease like MS affects everyone in the family differently. I was confused at first more than anything. I didn’t know exactly what MS was, or how it was going to affect her as an individual, and in turn, how it would affect our family. I wanted to educate myself so I knew what to expect in the future and what I could do to make it easier on her and help her relax more, something she needed anyways.

My parents are both incredibly strong and optimistic people which I thank them for. It makes it so much easier to feed of their strength and happiness during the hard times we are faced with.

There’s confusion and sympathy passed around everyone, but for me it is more of a wakeup call because I was given many more responsibilities and expectations which caused me to mature quickly without much choice. It helped me realize that just because things may not go your way in life, you can’t just stop and pout about it, you have to see it as a challenge and not let it control you.

Desneiges Teddy
Sudbury, ON
Carleton University

My mother isn’t just the woman who raised me or the individual who sews my clothes and cooks my dinners. My mother, Claudette Foote is my best friend. She has taught me everything I know and I respect her more than anyone. My mother is shockingly positive throughout most of her relapses. She acknowledges her good days with confidence and understands that bad times just happen. I feel that even though it is the obvious burden in my life, it’s now just another thing that I’m supposed to deal with.

I have many ambitions and goals due to my mother. I want to finish my undergrad and earn a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology. The MS society has already helped me in achieving some of these goals. I want to educate myself and change my family and our lives.

Jeremy Thibeau
Riverview, NB
St. Thomas University

When I was in eighth grade, I wrote a speech about MS to present in class. A friend of the family, who also has MS and was the President of the Moncton Chapter asked me to present my speech at the MS Annual Appreciation Dinner. At the time I was very nervous about public speaking. He helped me and coached me in order to become a better speaker. Today, whenever I have a speech to present, or have to talk in front of an audience, I am no longer nervous. This all was a positive effect of my mom having MS.  I was also invited to present my speech at the MS Bike Tour in Saint John, the Annual General Meeting in Moncton and I presented my speech at the District 2 Speech competition, these all being very positive experiences for me.

This disease may be a burden sometimes, but our family tries to look at it in a positive light. It has taught our family how to appreciate things that people take for granted everyday like brushing your teeth, cutting your fingernails, typing and other physical abilities that my mother has experienced difficulty with. Most of all, we look at how it has brought us closer together as a family.

Cody Watson
Lower Sackville, NS
Dalhousie University

Living with Multiple Sclerosis in our family has helped me realize how this disease not only affects those who have it, but their families as well.  When my mother does experience fatigue and discomfort, she sometimes becomes very irritable, which often causes conflict in our household since we often forget what she is going through. When we remember this however, we do our best to help her and make her feel better, no matter the situation. Although it is very difficult to do so when we get into arguments, we always manage to resolve things one way or another.

I have realized how lucky we are to have my mother be as healthy as she is knowing how awful this disease can be, and are grateful for this. Multiple Sclerosis is a horrible disease and knowing that so many people and families are affected by it is a tragedy in my eyes.

Allan Wlliamson
Mississauga, ON
University of Guelph

Multiple Sclerosis has had a dramatic impact on my life, starting from even before I was born. My father has never been able to work since his diagnosis with acute progressive MS.

Though my life was often quite difficult and posed many challenges emotionally, I feel [my father] inspires me as well. From a young age, I wanted to enter a medical career in the hopes of making a difference in the life of those who were suffering, especially those in extreme pain much like my father seemed to me. Though my patients may be animals instead of humans, I still hold that principle quite dearly. My ultimate goal in my veterinary career is to pursue a residency in anesthesiology or emergency medicine. This, I feel will give me the best understanding of how to help animals who are suffering.

Courtenay Wood
Woodstock, ON
McMaster University

We didn’t know what was wrong with my dad. One final test answered this nagging question when my father was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I had mixed feelings at this point. I was torn between an intense concern for my father’s health and a wave of relief that it wasn’t anything worse. However, Multiple Sclerosis changed my life for the better. Of course, some obstacles have been thrown into the pathway of my family, but if we dwell on the negative aspects of the disease, we blind ourselves from the positive ones, and frankly there is not enough time in life to be spent unhappy.

Some people have asked me if I feel angry about this whole ordeal, or if I think it’s unfair that my own father has been a victim of this relentless disease. But I am not angry because if it was not my dad, it would have been someone else’s dad, husband, brother or son and it cuts deep no matter who you are. But we are strong enough to handle this. Of course we have made adjustment to the wheel, as life’s road has surprised us with a bend. The road may be rocky or icy. It may slow us down or make us more cautious. The scenery is still beautiful though, if not more than before, and by slowing down we have more time to watch it go by. We can make the best of things, whether my father has Multiple Sclerosis or not.