MS Awareness Week! Learn, Listen, Help, Give

Today starts MS Awareness week..

I am a lucky woman, age 45, who wakes each morning with just the 'normal' aches and pains of a woman my age. I can stretch them out, walk or run if I so desire, and get on with my day. Yet, this disease has touched my life.

I have a beautiful younger cousin, Karen, who was diagnosed with MS at the age of 25. She is now 38. She had a thriving career, a husband, and a hobby that she loved - training and showing dogs. All the beautiful things any young active woman could hope for.. the promise of a beautiful,unlimited, healthy life.

All those things are gone now, due to her disease. My heart aches for Karen and all the other women, men and children whose lives have been turned upside down by this disease. Life is to be lived to it's fullest, and Karen takes the bull by the horns to do just that as best she can. She lives alone, has her own house, has companionship through her silly kitties and a dog or two. And, mainly, she is an avid quilter and writer.

After many years of living our separate lives, on separate sides of the continent, we have found each other through our blogs and life stories. I have become more aware of this disease through Karen's writings, and the beauty within Karen's mind and heart. She shares how MS affects her life, and her approach to fighting it, and taking care of her health.

Karen is hosting MS Awareness Week posts that involve the lives of other quilters with MS as well as opportunities for me and you to become more aware. You can visit Karen's blog at Life At Lee Haven.

If you know someone with MS reach out and contact them this week. Let them know you are cheering for them, and that you love them.

Thank You.