MS Scars 2 Stars: YES WE CAN

"TURNING THOSE MS SCARS INTO STARS"

MS, lesions, also known as plaques, are patches of inflammation in the central nervous system in which the nerve cells have been striped of their protective myelin or insulating cover. These demyelinated neurons do not function properly and it is these lesions that give rise to the symptoms of MS.

In relapsing-remitting MS, their is significant recovery as the inflammation dies down. Special maintenance cells called glial cells are responsible for the repair of the damaged nerves. One type of glial cell, called an oligodendrocyte, lays down new myelin and another type, called an astrocyte lays down SCAR tissue.

A STAR is defined as a heavenly body, champion, headliner or a virtuoso. Another definition of a Star is defined as a network whose components are connected to a hub.

My faith in God is my connection and that is how I am "Turning Those MS Scars Into Stars." I am striving to experience the challenge of living with MS as a Blessing, an opportunity to grow in compassion, patience, grace, and love, all of which are blessings - Multiple Blessings Not Multiple Sclerosis!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

YES WE CAN

My first experience at camp - Camp Can Do in Burton, Texas this past weekend was a great experience that I will not soon forget. The weekend adventure for those suffering from the effects of MS was an uplifting experience to recharge and encourage us with a get-a-way from the usual day to day. It lifted our morale by giving us a sense of independenc and confidence that (with some assistance) we can do it! A good time was had by all in spite of MS.

For me this was also a birthday weekend and I was determine to do something that I had never done before, a bucket list sort of thing, and I did. One such thing was shooting targets with paint-balls! (Shown Above)