"I learned to see life in a different way."

Dave, MS LifeLines Ambassador

Living with RRMS since 1998

Taking Rebif^® since 2003

Being a Husband and Dad (with MS)

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Tim

January 10, 2008

By MS LifeLines Ambassador Tim

I'm going to start this journal by asking you to indulge me and take a closer look at its title. Do you see where I put the part about MS (at the end)? The problem is, putting MS as an aside on how you define yourself is much easier to do on paper than it is in real life.

Like most people, I love my family and have always tried to put them first in my life. My wife amazes me with her beauty, intelligence, and strength. My eleven-year-old son blows me away with his wit, love, and joy of life (and his hugs). Despite all this, when I was first diagnosed, my relapsing MS became the most important, if unwelcome, member of our family.

It was incredibly difficult, but in the end I managed to put MS in its proper place - in the doghouse out in the back yard! Like an ornery old hound dog, it must be taken care of and occasionally its howls can't be ignored but it does not deserve a place at the table with the family.

Once I put my MS into perspective, we were all able to see that it doesn't need to even be a big factor in our lives. Like aging, career and financial ups and downs, and the myriad of other things we deal with in life, my strong family helps me take MS in stride. I love being a husband and a dad and I intend to pace myself, roll with the punches, and do everything in my power to not to let MS get in my way.

This journal reflects the personal experience of one person and others can be different. It is best to contact your doctor to discuss what's best for you. Tim is an MS LifeLines Ambassador and has chosen to share his story with other people living with MS. MS LifeLines and MS LifeLines Ambassadors are sponsored by EMD Serono and Pfizer.

Brought to you by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc., the co-marketers of Rebif^® (interferon beta-1a) in the US

Prescribing Information - Medication Guide

This information is intended only for residents of the United States.

Rebif is used to treat relapsing forms of MS to decrease the frequency of relapses and delay the occurrence of some of the physical disability that is common in people with MS. Efficacy has been established in controlled studies up to 2 years in duration. Rebif is not approved for the treatment of chronic progressive multiple sclerosis. Rebif is available by prescription only in 22 mcg and 44 mcg pre-filled syringes and a titration pack.

Before beginning treatment, patients should discuss with their doctor the potential benefits and risks associated with Rebif. Let your doctor know if you have a history of depression, seizures, liver disease, thyroid problems, and blood count or bleeding problems or if you have had previous allergic reactions to medications. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Rebif and other medicines may affect each other causing serious side effects. Talk to your doctor before you take any new medicines. Rebif is not recommended for women who are or plan to become pregnant.

Potential serious side effects of Rebif include depression, liver problems, risk to pregnancy, injection site problems and severe allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are rare and may be associated with difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness, which requires immediate medical attention.

The most common side effects with Rebif are injection site reactions, flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches, tiredness), depression, abdominal pain, increased liver enzymes, and blood cell count decreases. Let your doctor know immediately if you have any of these symptoms or feel sad, tired, hot or cold, experience hives, rashes, bruising, yellowing of the skin, or a change in body weight (gain or loss).

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

This information is not intended to replace discussions with your healthcare provider. For additional information about Rebif, please consult the Medication Guide or Prescribing Information and talk to your doctor. You can also call toll free 1-877-44-REBIF (1-877-447-3243). Rebif is available by prescription only.

MS LifeLines is an educational support service for people living with MS and their families. MS LifeLines and MS LifeLines Ambassadors are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Rebif, Rebiject II and MS LifeLines are registered trademarks and the Rebif logo is a trademark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.

MS in Balance is a service mark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.

Copyright 2008 EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved.