"I learned to see life in a different way."
Dave, MS LifeLines Ambassador
Living with RRMS
Who's Your LifeLine?
LifeLine Spotlight on
Judith Boone
Submitted by Jeffrey Hall
Simply put — my friend and my earthly hero deserves any recognition and honor!"
Only a few times in life do we ever get to meet a real life HERO who, unbeknownst to most of us, provides so much through
extraordinary means for others on this planet.
Judith Boone is one of those unsung heroes. Growing up as the third eldest of five in an extremely poor and small area of North
Carolina, Judith, who I refer to as Judy, drew my attention from the first time I saw her for more than the reasons most would see
apparent. Being a former beauty contestant, her striking beauty always leaps out at you, but I was amazed to find out what a
beautiful person she is on the inside.
As she was serving in the ministry for the four years she attended East Carolina University, she worked to put herself through
college while maintaining a strong GPA. During this time, Judy achieved remarkable things that only a true hero could possibly do
even before her illness occurred, always displaying that wonderful smile and constant concern for others.
Judy provides unwavering care for her mother, and even now I have not seen her use her medical situation as an excuse to
complain. I remember the night I received the call that Judy was in the hospital, without warning her life was taking a shift.
She was suddenly blind, with twins and a wonderful husband, and I stood over her in that hospital room hearing the doctor's
gloomy reports. Her concern was not herself but how she would be able to care for her family.
But something happened. Her strong Faith in God showed up. We believed in God for her sight to be restored, and it was.
Then the word came that she had MS. I have seen where most would have just laid down, with two young twin boys and the
responsibility that she has, but not my friend. She works full time as a Systems Analyst every day, while maintaining her
family and friendships, often working through the pain while maintaining a loving smile and wonderful demeanor. She continues
to participate in MS groups and walks for cures. Simply put -- my friend and my earthly hero deserves any recognition and honor!
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 Your Life in Full is a service mark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.
Copyright 2010 EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved.