Each year, the MSF's National MS Education and Awareness Month campaign provides ample opportunity for you to get involved. You can make a difference! If you have an idea for an educational event, awareness campaign, or fundraiser in your area, let us know. Contact awareness@msfocus.org.
“Ready, Set, Shine”
The MSF has chosen this theme for NMSEAM 2010 to acknowledge the many people with MS who have not only prepared themselves as much as possible for living with a chronic, unpredictable disease, but also have continued to lead active, fulfilling and productive lives. We want to make others understand that life does not stop with a MS diagnosis. Also, we hope to inspire you to venture outside your “comfort zone” and experience something new. (See our challenge described below.)
Ready
No one is ever really “ready” for a MS diagnosis, but there are things you can do to prepare for the kinds of changes that living with an unpredictable, chronic disease will bring: You can learn more about MS and how it impacts your life. You can eat healthier, exercise more, and adhere to your medications. You can manage your energy so you can continue some form of work. You can determine just what makes you the most happy.
Set
Getting set involves gaining a steady foothold. As you remain active with MS, remember that there are many people and organizations around you that can offer support. Organizations such as the MSF provide educational materials, programs and services, grants, and support groups across the nation all designed to improve the quality of life for people living with MS. Lean on them, as well as family and friends, to help you get set.
Shine
Be social. Withdrawing and isolating yourself is not a healthy coping technique when living with a chronic illness. While it is normal to develop a comfort zone as you adapt to MS, remember to challenge yourself with new experiences. Feelings of achievement and personal growth go a long way towards building self esteem. And when you get out-and-about, you show others by example that a life with MS is a life no less. So be proud. Shine!
The MSF’s 2010 NMSEAM Challenge to You
One way to shine is to participate in our 2010 NMSEAM initiative: “Shine with Sunny”. In living with a chronic illness such as MS, you may develop a comfort zone, a familiar place and space that feels safe and predictable. Though a comfort zone can provide a sense of security, it can sometimes become a barrier to staying connected with others. Venturing outside the comfort zone not only prevents isolation, but it also brings personal growth and promotes independence.
Sunny (find this portable character in the awareness kit) will be your companion as you venture outside your comfort zone. You don’t have to travel far; the idea is to challenge yourself, whether that means just getting out of the house, or trying something new.
Wherever you journey, be sure to get a photograph of you and Sunny as you “shine.” When you return, send us a paragraph explaining what you did or where you went and how that took you out of your comfort zone. Don’t forget to include the photo of you and Sunny. Our address is 6350 N. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309.
We will select 50 people to receive T-shirts commemorating 2010 NMSEAM. Many of the “Shine with Sunny” stories and photos will also be featured in MSFocus.