Nine years ago, on the last Sunday in April, I was diagnosed with remitting-relapsing multiple sclerosis. Ironically, this is the day the Ottawa Chapter hosts its Super Cities WALK for MS.

Throughout my journey with MS there have been many challenges. Initially, after diagnosis, my main concern was regaining my mobility. In essence, I wanted my pre-diagnosis life back. Nine years later, the greatest challenge I face is breaking down negative societal perceptions of people who live with a chronic illness.

I try everyday to educate people that, even though I have a chronic illness, I am more than MS. I have a chronic neurological disease and, as my body changes, I will adapt to these changes. Since I have been diagnosed with MS, I have learned to re-evaluate my life and focus on what is important to me. When the door closed on my career as a nurse, another door opened: I am now a volunteer with the MS Society of Canada, Ottawa Chapter. I am busier now than I was pre-diagnosis. I am still able to make a difference by helping others, and I have the luxury of working with people who understand the challenges that this disease sometimes demonstrates to me.

I have always lived under the premise that life is not fair and no one ever promised me a rose garden. Yes, being diagnosed with MS was a handful of thorns, and I may end up in a wheelchair at some point along this journey, but until that time I will learn to live with this disease. On bad days, I give in to them and try to soothe myself by reinforcing the fact that this feeling will pass.

On good days, however, I seize the moment and leave people in my dust.