Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that affects hundreds of thousands Americans. There is no cure for MS and the cause is still unknown.
Thirty years ago, my grandmother was diagnosed with MS. At first, it didn't change her life too drastically. She had to use a lighter ball when bowling and she would use a wheelchair when a large amount of walking was involved. But things started to change a lot about fifteen years ago. It was getting harder for her to walk. She had to drag her right foot because it wouldn't obey her command to walk. The dragging eventually got too difficult, so she began relying on a walker. After a short time, the energy it took to walk with a walker was too much and she ended up in a wheelchair. Honestly though, it's not the wheelchair that's a problem. The bigger problem is the pain. She almost constantly has electrical currents of pain jolting through her. She has also lost feeling in her feet and legs, so she'll sometimes unknowingly cut or bruise herself.
MS is not considered a fatal disease. Most people with MS have a lifespan just slightly shorter than average. However, MS can cause fatal complications and also impairs quality of life.
My August donation will be going to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in honor of my grandmother. If you haven't made a donation this month, please consider this charity.
No comments:
Post a Comment