Meet - Likita Brown

Tennessee, USA

When were you diagnosed with MS? January 2018

What type of MS do you have? Primary-Progressive MS (PPMS)

#1: Can you tell us a little about your journey with MS. How did you feel about your initial diagnosis and how it has affected your life?

When I was told of my diagnosis, I was kinda numb at first. I just sat there listening to the doctor afterward. When I got to my car, I just sat there not knowing what to do or what to think. I was shocked, but, also relieved that after several doctor visits, medications, and numerous tests, I finally had an answer to what was happening to me.

#2: What MS symptoms do you have and how do you manage them on a daily basis?

I experience trigeminal neuralgia alongside my MS, which primarily affects the right side of my body. This includes facial numbness, tingling in my right eye, as well as numbness and tingling in my arm and hands. At night, I often experience muscle spasms and weakness in my legs. Like many others, I also struggle with fatigue and have difficulty tolerating heat. To manage these symptoms, I prioritize rest and take my MS medication and muscle relaxers. Additionally, I use portable fans in my house and car, and I wear cooling hats and scarves. Especially during the summer, to help alleviate the effects of heat and my sensitivity to it.

#3: Who/What has been your most important support system?

Since day one, my family has been my greatest support system, always there for me and supporting me. During my consultation with the neurologist after my diagnosis, it wasn't just my husband and me present. There were eight other close family members in the room, and one more on speakerphone, all eager to comprehend what i needed to help combat this disease. They have truly been my village and the driving force behind my keeping me going and staying positive.

#4: Do you use any accessories like canes, walkers, or wheelchairs to manage daily activities?

I don’t use any canes, walkers, or wheelchairs. But when I'm working I use an up desk, so that I can stand some to keep from being so stiff from sitting all day.

#5: How do you stay positive and motivated in your daily life? What do you do for self-care?

I've always had a positive outlook on life and strive to inspire and motivate my family and friends. To achieve overall well-being, I dedicate time to reading and nurturing my physical, mental, and spiritual health. I also engage in regular walks and exercise, pedicures and massages, and prioritize hair and skin care. I firmly believe when you look good you feel good inside and out.

#6: Your story and experiences with MS are incredibly valuable and can provide encouragement and motivation to others in the community. What words of advice or encouragement would you give to someone who is newly diagnosed with MS or going through a challenging time right now?

I would say to others that you can live a full life with MS with a positive mindset. Make sure you are taking care of yourself and putting yourself first in your MS journey. Rely on your family and friends when needed and just enjoy life, even if you have limitations you can always do a modified version of whatever you want too. Don’t limit your dreams soar instead.

#7: Have you started a business or mission related to MS? Can you tell us about it and what inspired you to take this step?

Although I don't have a specific mission or business, I make it a point to raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis.

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Meet - Azizah Hawkins

New York, USA

When were you diagnosed with MS? May 2007

What type of MS do you have? Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS)

#1: Can you tell us a little about your journey with MS. How did you feel about your initial diagnosis and how it has affected your life?

When I received my initial diagnosis, I was shocked. I had limited knowledge about MS, apart from about 1 or 2 celebrities who had mentioned having it, but I didn't have a clear understanding of the condition. As a result, my family, friends, and I dedicated a significant amount of time to conducting thorough research on Multiple Sclerosis.

MS has improved my ability to learn how to adapt and manage stress. I have become an expert. The exacerbations (flare-ups) do not always last forever. So I have learned ways to counteract, fight, or regain control of whatever has gone haywire. I have also learned how "stress" is the root of all evil. Stress can cause the body to go into a frenzy and it is the common denominator in all ailments. So, it's important to try to be stress-free as much as possible!

#2: What MS symptoms do you have and how do you manage them on a daily basis?

My MS symptoms are constant numbness and tingling in my hands 24/7, and imbalance when I walk sometimes. I have learned how to adapt to the numbness and tingling in my hands and remain hopeful that someday it will go away. I utilize self-talk to deal with the stress of it and I refuse to give up. For the balance issue when I walk sometimes, I will hold my boyfriend's hand, and use a shopping cart or a scooter to help when shopping. I am preparing to get a cane and bedazzle it for times of need, so I can walk in style.

#3: Who/What has been your most important support system?

My family and friends have been my biggest sources of support. They ask questions and know not to assume. They took the time to learn about MS with me and they understand the fact that MS is not the same for everybody who has it.

#4: Do you use any accessories like canes, walkers, or wheelchairs to manage daily activities?

I am preparing to bedazzle a cane to use when needed.

#5: How do you stay positive and motivated in your daily life? What do you do for self-care?

I stay positive and motivated by knowing MS is not a death sentence. I do not hold expectations because every day is different for me. What physically bothered me yesterday, may not bother me today. I have become used to that and I just adapt. For self-care, I write, hang out with my boyfriend, relax at home, and enjoy different self-maintenance activities (ex: pedicures, massages, and other beauty activities).

#6: Your story and experiences with MS are incredibly valuable and can provide encouragement and motivation to others in the community. What words of advice or encouragement would you give to someone who is newly diagnosed with MS or going through a challenging time right now?

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease, but, it's not the end of your life. Continue to live your life and adapt to whatever may seem to be an issue for the day, hour, or minute. Never let MS take control of you. Fight and never give up!

#7: Have you started a business or mission related to MS? Can you tell us about it and what inspired you to take this step?

When I was diagnosed with MS, I was a full-figured fashion model. I always told myself, "I will walk the runway until I cannot walk anymore!" I helped start a modeling company with one of my closest friends. We taught teens and adults modeling techniques, poses, and management. Modeling helps to build their self-esteem and confidence, and it has inspired me to see people bloom into themselves.

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Leave a comment, and share your experience. We would love to hear from you!

Meet - Ja’kee Garvin

North Carolina, USA

When were you diagnosed with MS? November 2021

What type of MS do you have? Primary-Progressive MS (PPMS)

#1: Can you tell us a little about your journey with MS. How did you feel about your initial diagnosis and how it has affected your life?

Initially, I was actually relieved to finally have an answer to what was going on in my body. For years, I was misdiagnosed and during that time, I developed a lot of irreversible damage.

#2: What MS symptoms do you have and how do you manage them on a daily basis?

I have several symptoms that I manage intermittently. I have right-sided weakness, drop foot, dysphagia, fatigue, depression, muscle weakness, painful heavy legs, balance issues, trouble standing, walking, heat intolerance and spasticity.

#3: Who/What has been your most important support system?

In terms of support, my highest priority and greatest source is God. Additionally, my mother and daughters have played a significant role in providing me with invaluable support. I have also found immense strength and encouragement through my involvement in my sorority Alpha Eta Phi Multiple Sclerosis Inc. This group of amazing individuals has proven to be an exceptional network of support.

#4: Do you use any accessories like canes, walkers, or wheelchairs to manage daily activities?

Yes….. I use a cane sometimes and a walker majority of the time.

#5: How do you stay positive and motivated in your daily life? What do you do for self-care?

Placing my faith in Jesus provides me with hope, but I also find solace and support through journaling and worship. In order to maintain positive connections, I actively engage in laughter and bonding moments with my mother and daughters. As part of my self-care routine, I prioritize skincare and healthy hair regimens, focusing on aspects within my control. Additionally, I make a conscientious effort to take my medications and vitamins consistently and at the scheduled times each day.

#6: Your story and experiences with MS are incredibly valuable and can provide encouragement and motivation to others in the community. What words of advice or encouragement would you give to someone who is newly diagnosed with MS or going through a challenging time right now?

Whether you were caught off guard, or you dealt with a slew of issues prior to your diagnosis, MS is NOT THE END!!! It doesn’t have to be your identity. I encourage you to stay the course and allow yourself to feel however you feel. MS is not a one size fits all type of disease. It’s different from person to person so I encourage and challenge you to find what works best for you.

#7: Have you started a business or mission related to MS? Can you tell us about it and what inspired you to take this step?

I have not. I have joined Alpha Eta Phi Multiple Sclerosis Incorporated. Which aided in me making it my personal mission to support other women dealing with this disease. As well as, the ability to spread awareness, because it’s still people out here that don’t know a thing about Multiple Sclerosis.

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Leave a comment, and share your experience. We would love to hear from you!