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Patient

Provider

MS

Activist

My MS Story

I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when I was 25 years old. Prior to my diagnosis I was a Neurosurgical ICU nurse, specializing in the care of critically ill neurology patients. This is probably why I avoided seeking medical attention when I lost the feeling in my legs. I was young, athletic, and healthy so it was easy to dismiss my symptoms as a sports injury. Eventually my symptoms progressed to the point where I could no longer deny that something was seriously wrong. After being admitted to the same hospital that I worked in for a week, and enduring a battery of tests, I was officially diagnosed with MS. That could have been the end of my story, but instead it was a new beginning.

Being an MS Provider

Medicine has always been my passion, and I was a neurology specialist even before I lived with a neurological disease myself. After I was diagnosed I quickly realized that I had a unique opportunity as both a patient and provider to have a positive impact on the lives of others. I became an MS certified nurse just 6 months after being diagnosed, and began graduate school to become a Nurse Practitioner. I now work as a Nurse Practitioner in a busy practice specializing in the treatment of people with MS. 

MS Activism

In additon to being a health care provider I am also very involved in MS Activism through the National MS Society, research initiatives such as iConquerMS, and by writing for several publications. I work tirelessly to spread MS awareness in every way possible! My mission is to educate, inspire, and help work towards a day when a young, invincible, 25 year old can hear the words "you have MS, but don't be afraid...there's a cure".

I also had a chance to give a TEDx talk, which you can watch under the "Webinars & Videos" tab.

I am proud to be affiliated with the following organizations:

MultipleSclerosis.net

MultipleSclerosis.net

A site full of educational and relatable articles written by people with MS, for people with MS.

WebMD

WebMD

Full of educational resources, and support communities.

PCORI

PCORI

The Patient Centered Outcomes Research Initiative aims to accelerate research efforts by getting patients more involved in the development and implementation of clinical research.

TEDxHerndon

TEDxHerndon

iConquerMS

iConquerMS

The first patient-powered research network for MS. People with MS can propose research topics, and directly interact researchers to help find the cure sooner.

Can Do MS

Can Do MS

A passionate group of people offering online and in person educational programs for people with MS and their support partners nationwide

National MS Society

National MS Society

The leading patient advocacy group in the MS community. A great place for resources, information, and support.

Band Against MS

Band Against MS

Foundation run by country singer Clay Walker, who also lives with MS.

MS Hope Foundation

MS Hope Foundation

A foundation that offers financial assistance, education, and support for people living with MS

MS Foundation

MS Foundation

MSF offers a free magazine full of great articles and information for people with MS.

NAOF

NAOF

Neurology Associates of Fredericksburg

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