Partner Spotlight - Meet Taran Srikonda

Virginia, USA

What is the name of your mission or business? AddressMS

When did it start? 2021

#1: What is the mission or purpose of your business?

At Address M.S., we hope to further educate our community about multiple sclerosis by helping fundraise and spreading awareness for the cause! Our local community has proven to have limited knowledge on the disease. Through our organization, we hope to effectively and efficiently educate the ones around us on an international level, by hosting speaker panels and other fundraising events to help!

#2: How can you help our community live a healthier life?

As an avid social media user, one way to help the MS community live a healthier lifestyle is to send positive messages to the ones who are diagnosed with the disease. These patients are strong warriors who have been fighting this disease with unimaginable strength, and any positive support you can provide is truly helpful!

#3: What resources can you suggest to our community?

A few resources are the National MS Society, where you can get into contact with many patients and even other organizations that work to help spread awareness of the disease. You can also partner with local universities that have MS Medical Centers and help assist in research and funding!

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

Multiple Sclerosis has proven to be a disease that tests one strength, endurance, and longevity and only the strongest can survive it. What they have accomplished is truly impressive and it is crucial that they continue to live life to the fullest of their abilities and explore their interests and passions, continuing to fight this disease and push through like the warriors they are!

5: We would love to send our viewers to your sites. List your social media sites.

Instagram: @AddressMS

TikTok: AddressMS01

E-mail: addressmstogether@gmail.com Website: https://8800946.wixsite.com/address-ms

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

Meet - Ana Macario

Missouri, USA

When were you diagnosed with MS? August 2022

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?

The beginning of my journey with MS was incredibly stressful and complex. At the time, I was living in Guatemala and close to finishing my studies at the university. During the last week in May, I started losing my sight gradually over the course of a week. After visiting an ophthalmologist and undergoing various tests, I was quickly referred to a neurologist and asked to undergo an MRI.

On June 3 at 3 PM (I will never forget the day, the time, the place or how I was dressed), I received the devastating news that I had a tumor located in the center of my brain that was inflamed. After considering various treatment options, I opted to travel to Miami, Florida for laser surgery. The surgery was scheduled for the morning of August 24. Although I was filled with hope and excitement leading up to the surgery, I was ultimately told while lying on the stretcher that it wasn't a tumor, it was multiple sclerosis. Shockingly, the neurosurgeon didn't refer me to another doctor, nor did he provide me with any medication or resources.

On October 12, I experienced a second outbreak, which marked the beginning of a much more complicated and challenging journey. I was admitted to the hospital where I underwent many tests that confirmed my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. They provided me with medication to manage my symptoms until I could see a specialist.

Currently, I am still waiting for a scheduled consultation at a specialist center in July. My experience with multiple sclerosis has been incredibly overwhelming, both emotionally and mentally exhausting.

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

I currently experience persistent symptoms such as tiredness, fatigue, sensitivity to light, headaches, back pain, and numbness in my hands and legs. In order to manage these symptoms, I prioritize rest and avoid pushing myself too hard. I rely on a mommy walker and wheelchair when necessary, and I make a conscious effort not to push myself too hard in order to avoid exacerbating my symptoms. I try not to act brave because at the end of the day, I only hurt myself more.

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

Initially, my mom and sister were my primary support system, but I've encountered significant challenges with them not fully understanding the difficulties I face. Sometimes they look at me and think im "fine" and think that I am already better, but I am not. Despite outward appearances of being "fine," my struggles persist. While my mom remains a part of my support system, her level of understanding and support is currently at 60%.

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

I do not use a wheelchair or walker every day, but I do resort to them when I am very tired or when the pain is unbearable. I also use a stool when I take a bath; because, I do not feel confident about my strength and balance.

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

From my experience with MS, optimism came automatically, more like a survival instinct However, given the relatively short amount of time that I have been living with the disease, my mental health has taken a nosedive! I am now actively working on rebuilding my mental health and restoring my sense of willpower, self-esteem, positivity, and will to live.

#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?

You feel that a big part of you died the day you were diagnosed, you feel that you are not the same even though everything around you tells you otherwise. Believe me, I understand YOU! I feel the same way sometimes. It is important for you to allow yourself to feel the pain and loss, rather than trying to ignore it, because ignoring it will only lead to even more intense suffering. Remember, you are capable and deserving of happiness and all the beauty life has to offer. Although life may not look the same as before, it can still be beautiful, even more so. You are not alone in your struggle, and it's crucial to keep moving forward, even if just one second, one minute, one hour, or one day at a time. Things will get better, but you must be willing to look at them from a different perspective.

#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?

Check out my blog @frecuencia_em_and_me on Instagram. I created this space to connect with others and share my story without feeling overwhelmed. I had previously tried various pages and apps, but found they only caused me anxiety and even panic attacks. On my blog, I exclusively share my personal experiences, thoughts, and insights related to multiple sclerosis and how it impacts both my daily life and mental health.

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

Meet - Vanessa Stil

Brussels, Belgium

When were you diagnosed with MS? 2000

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?

I was diagnosed with MS at age 25. I was going through a very stressful moment in my life; because, I was laid off suddenly. I was already experiencing a few symptoms that I passed off as stress-related and so I didn't worry about them too much. Then one day out of the blue, I had optic neuritis. That's when my doctors really got worried and scheduled me for an MRI. The results were obvious. The diagnosis was confirmed quickly after a neurological exam and some additional tests. So you can just imagine how I was feeling at the time. I lost my job, my relationship, partially due to the diagnosis that scared my partner, and as a result, I went into a heavy depression.

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

I mainly suffer from my initial symptoms which include optic neuritis, muscle stiffness, and numbness. Fatigue is also prevalent. I have created a series of habits that help me beat fatigue, most of the time. This way, I am able to work full time, I'm a single mom building a side hustle to be able to quit my 9 to 5 and be more present for my son. Overall, I am able to live a fulfilling life. I have changed my eating habits, I exercise almost daily and, most importantly I have learned to manage my stress levels. Mainly because this is one of the main triggers that cause my flare-ups.

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

Re-programming my mindset was a real game-changer for me. I followed one of Marisa Peer's Rapid Transformation Therapy training techniques. This enabled me to see past my current challenges. After that, I was able to build my life's vision. This helps me concentrate on what really matters to me. I know I have a wonderful goal to achieve. My own piece of paradise on earth. This motivates me every day to follow my healthy habits and accept my challenges for what they are... temporary hick-ups! However, I remain focused, no matter what.

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

I do not need any accessories at this time.

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

I journal every day. When I'm having a very good time, I make a mental note of it and I start my day with the things I'm grateful for daily. To remain positive for the long term, I read my past accomplishments and focus on my life's vision. I have printed images of where I want to live and how I want to live, to keep me motivated. I have a morning routine. I wake up, exercise, eat breakfast, and then I have a relaxing shower. After that, I'm pumped up for the day! If needed, I take a nap after lunch. This way I'm able to keep up with my 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?

Being diagnosed is not the end of your life. It is the beginning of a new one. A better version of yourself lies ahead of you. Reach out to the MS community. Don't stay in your corner...

#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?

During the first lockdown, post-diagnosis, I took the time to reflect on my journey, especially on my values and priorities in life. By taking this step back, I realized how much value I could bring to people who are struggling with this disease. I launched a course with a holistic approach based on 3 pillars that matters the most, when it comes to fighting this disease. It encompasses the mind, body, and soul. In a sentence, you can anticipate a comprehensive guide consisting of practical tips, step-by-step instructions, and thought-provoking questions that will assist you in discovering your own individualized approach to implementing the advice and recommendations related to MS.

Want to become a part of the movement? Click the box below to order your gear!

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