When I wrote my first blog post back in 2012 I knew I wanted to make a difference by providing support and encouragement to people in the Multiple Sclerosis and disability community. I remembered the isolation and frustration I felt when I was diagnosed in 1986. With no FDA approved medications or Internet to lean on the MS landscape looked very different from today.
At the young age of 28 I was frightened about my future and worried I might never have the happy life I dreamed about.
Fast forward to 2016 and the words I write and advocacy work I do makes a difference to countless readers. If that sounds arrogant believe me when I say it's not. I'm truly humbled by what reader's tell me, their heartfelt words revealing that I must be doing something right. Some say I've inspired them, giving them a reason to keep fighting the difficult fight.
Others say I've provided them with comfort and a renewed sense that there is always hope. And they thank me for my work.
When I won third place for Healthline's Best Health Blog of 2014 it directed many new readers to my blog. It was also a way for a variety of health websites to find out more about me and what I do.
As much as I dislike contests I can't quarrel with the exposure it gave me and for that I am grateful. My mission to help others by spreading awareness and educating readers about Multiple Sclerosis was multiplied tenfold.
So I humbly ask you to head over to Healthline's Best Health Blog of 2015 today to vote for An Empowered Spirit. Scroll down to "Load More" until you see An Empowered Spirit. If you have a Facebook and Twitter account you can quickly vote using both every 24 hours. The contest ends on January 21.
Please help me continue to do the work I chose to do of paying it forward to the MS and disability community.
I thank you for your interest, encouragement and friendship.
I hope everyone heeds this call and votes daily for An Empowered Spirit. Cathy is very modest about her impact but she truly has helped and inspired so many, certainly those in the MS community but way more than that. The more people who know about her blog, the more people who will benefit from her advice and philosophy. It just takes a couple of clicks!
I think you do make a difference by modeling a gracious personality that most of us aspire to, Cathy! Best of luck in the contest!
Cathy, Kudos to you for reaching out with kindness to so many people and aiming to do good in the world. WE need more people like you. And best of luck in the contest!
Done!
I will definitely go and vote. I think you are an amazing woman who is truly looking out to help everyone. I send people to you as an expert in MS all of the time. Thanks for all you do!
I keep voting! You so deserve to win this!
Best of luck with the contest Cathy. You got my vote and every day I pop over and vote for you - I'll head over now bc at times, yes, I do forget. Thanks for the reminder!
Well done. Advocacy work is so important. Good luck in the contest!
Voted! Thanks for beings such a great advocate. My step sister suffers with the disease and she definitely needs people like you.