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Who's Your LifeLine?

LifeLine Spotlight on Nancy, Living with MS

Submitted by Submitted by Gideon (Nancy's husband)

"Indeed, Nancy believes that giving one's time and talent makes an enormous difference in people's lives."

My LifeLine is my wife, Nancy, who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1992. Nancy's attitude toward MS is a very positive one, she says, "I have MS, but it does not have me." She also believes MS has taught her to accept help from others, which she admits has been quite difficult since her philosophy is, "it is better to give than to receive." However, she definitely has become quite humble. Additionally, she states that she does not take basic daily functions for granted and she appreciates everyday as a special moment.

Since the beginning of her diagnosis, she took an active role by educating herself about the disease and becoming her own advocate. She attends many MS programs and reads about new advances and whatever else is going on in the MS world. She tries her best to live a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious meals, exercising, taking her medication, and relaxing; although the latter one is the most challenging for her "Type A" personality.

Nancy has spoken at a few MS programs, sharing her story and encouraging others to become their own supporters. She treats everyone with respect and greets people with a friendly smile. Also, whenever she comes across someone who has been newly diagnosed, she offers her assistance and compassion. She never hesitates to share whatever useful information she has. She just passes it along.

Additionally, Nancy participates in MS walks in order to promote awareness and raised money toward the continued research of MS. Furthermore, she has volunteered to become an advocate at the Northern Colorado National Multiple Sclerosis Office.

Moreover, she has worked toward achieving her personal goals by earning her Bachelor of Arts, in 2005, with a double major in Communication: Human Communication, Spanish Secondary Teaching, and English as a Second Language Endorsement. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Arts in Spanish. She has done all of this while working full-time and taking care of her family.

She is currently serving as a Migrant Education Graduation Advocate and League of United Latin American Citizens Advisor. She has previously also worked as a Spanish high school teacher and academic advisor. Daily, she assists a diverse group of students to continue their education, provides emotional and crisis intervention support, as well as community resources for a great number of students and families.

As an active member of society, she strongly believes in volunteering and giving to others. For example, she coordinates and serves meals at a homeless shelter and she is also a member of several committees at our church and her school district. She has committed countless hours toward academic advising, tutoring, fundraising, and many community services activities.

Correspondingly, her love for serving others has given her the privilege to reach students who had been labeled "at risk" and they have proven that with positive guidance, support, and someone believing in them, they too can reach their goals. Equally, Nancy believes that being an active member of her community has strengthened her beliefs, ethics, and moral values. Indeed, Nancy believes that giving one's time and talent makes an enormous difference in people's lives.

MS LifeLines®