The beginning of a new year is a chance to wipe the slate clean and begin a new journey filled with hope and possibility. I visualize that journey as climbing a majestic mountain that rises high above the ocean. With each passing mile I get closer to accomplishing another goal. When I finally reach the pinnacle I'll feel more alive, mindful of my glorious achievements while enjoying the magnificent view that envelops me.
Each step I climb represents my personal goals. And one of those goals is to continue spreading awareness about living with Multiple Sclerosis.
Reaching the top of the mountain would mean that a cure has been discovered, finally putting an end to this horrible disease.
Will I reach the top in my lifetime? I'm not clairvoyant but I always hold hope in my heart.
That is why I take part in NARCOMS (North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis), a bi-annual online patient registry where I answer questions about my life with MS. I feel good knowing that I'm part of a greater good, because my answers ultimately help to facilitate multi-center research about MS.
"NARCOMS, a project of the Consortium of MS Centers, is a patient registry that was founded in 1995 and contains patient-driven information on over 37,000 patients. Information from NARCOMS has enhanced research activities regarding demographics of MS as well as environmental factors involved in disease activity (vitamin D, smoking). "~June Halper, APN-C, CEO of CMSC, Executive Director of IOMSN, MSNICB
Anyone diagnosed with MS can sign up for this free, confidential registry. Like me, the information you provide will supply valuable information that expedites research and improves clinical care and quality of life issues for patients and families affected by MS.
Questions such as demographics, disease history, quality of life, functionality, and relapse and symptom progression are a sample of what you'll be asked.
NARCOMS also publishes a quarterly magazine, NARCOMS Now (free to all NARCOMS participants),that features MS news and information about the registry. The Winter 2015 edition focuses on health and wellness and is filled with interesting information. I was fortunate to be interviewed for their Feature Focus story.
Check out the NARCOMS website and sign up for their registry. While you're there take a look at the NARCOMS Now page to find the latest MS news and information, and learn about NARCOMS MS apps and photo contests. Click the PLAY tab to give your brain a workout with their word puzzles.
If you want to learn more about the purpose and participation benefits of NARCOMS, here's Dr. Daniel Kantor interviewing Dr. Gary Cutter, Director, NARCOMS Data Coordinating Center.
I hope you'll join me on my journey to the top of the mountain!
Thank you. I'll be joining and do this study in addition to another I already do.
Congrats on being featured with your lovely family.
xoxo
Loved reading that profile of you. "Life is delicious!" Great line. Hope 2015 proves to be extra delicious.
It's interesting to see what kind of ground-level research is going on. There is so much more information than even just 50 years ago. All my best to the MS researchers, MS physicians and--particularly--those living with MS. I hope that the increase in knowledge can lead to better treatment and lead to a cure. And kudos to you for all that you do as an advocate.
What a tremendous registry! You are an inspiration and I am tickled to see you spotlighted with your story on the magazine. I hope you reach the mountain top!
Cathy, you are an inspiration in so many ways and I hope you realize how deeply your writing touches your readers. What you're doing is so important. xo
You are doing the MS community a great service by sharing your wisdom. I hope you do reach the top of that mountain!
I hope what you do to help will help the research of this. Kudos for being featured too.
I am 53 years old and living wih MS. I am sooo depressed every day, I actually can't remember the last time that I smiled!