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

Dave, MS LifeLines Ambassador

Living with RRMS since 1998

Taking Rebif^® since 2003

What I Want For My Son

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Tim

April 4, 2008

By MS LifeLines Ambassador Tim

I'm going to start this entry by suggesting that if I were to ask a large number of parents with and without MS what their hopes and dreams for their kids, were that the results would largely be the same. They would pretty much all hope that their children would live long, healthy and happy lives. They'd probably all wish that their children all found great, rewarding careers and, in due time, love. I'd also be very surprised if any would not hope for a fine gaggle of grandkids to spring forth from their well educated, rich, successful, blissfully happily married children.

The point I'm trying to make is that while having relapsing MS may affect how we feel and possibly what we can do with and for our kids, it largely doesn't affect what we want for them — the same things that those without MS want. There is of course one noticeable exception — I bet we all hope and pray that they don't follow in our footsteps with respect to this rotten disease!

There is one more thing that I want for my son, or rather something I don't want for him. I don't want him to worry about me and my relapsing MS. Not anymore. He worried enough during the first few weeks after diagnosis when my wife and I were unable to keep how freaked out we were from him. Since that time, I've done everything I can to assure him that no matter what, MS will not prevent me from being his Dad. And to ensure that is no word of a lie, I'm doing everything in my power to make that experience just the same as it has always been. What better motivation could there be to get (and stay) on therapy, exercise, eat healthily and otherwise do everything in my power to take control of my MS?

Oh yeah, and just to stop me from worrying about him contracting MS (1 in 40 odds are slim but not enough to ensure peace of mind), a cure would be nice too!

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.

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