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Multiple Sclerosis and Change : 2018 – Your life will never be the same again (3/4)

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Shortly after the MS Sessions, I attended the MEP Brain, Mind, Pain Interest Group at the European Parliament in February 2018 which worked around the topic of how the EU can #MakeWorkWork for young people with chronic conditions relating to disorders concerning the brain, mind and pain. It was destined to provide concise recommendations for high-level policy makers. I was fortunate to be able to participate with my fellow MS advocate and ESMP YPN Member Jacobo. I knew this is my direction – the path I needed to follow: Being a part of social change – a social movement – of ensuring a better quality of life for those facing the same struggles – for those living with multiple sclerosis. It was the start of my campaigning for difference; for social inclusion, for non-discrimination. I without consciously knowing grew into a patient and disability advocate. For my identity did change – I am no longer able-bodied; I may be a person with a disability but hell what determination do I
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Multiple Sclerosis and Change - Turning Point (2/4)

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A year after I received my MS Diagnosis, I attended an event organized by shift.ms and the European Multiple Sclerosis Platform: The MS Sessions 2017. I could never express my gratitude enough as it has been a huge turning point in my life – For the first time, I was given the tools I needed to initiate change. Moreover, the event showed me that I am not alone with my struggles – I am not alone; there are others like me, other young people with the same difficulties who understand and face similar challenges. Young people in the bloom of their life – others like me. It engrained hope – nobody knows how precious that commodity can be. I very much love my able-bodied friends dearly but sometimes it is difficult for them to relate to my experiences – which I understand, it must be challenging for them too when we speak the same language yet attach entirely separate meanings to the same words. Here, at the MS Sessions it was different, it was more:   it was a life changing experience  
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Multiple Sclerosis and Change - Introduction (1/4)

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I have received my MS diagnosis in the end of 2016 after having had invisible symptoms for more than a decade – the fatigue, the dragging, the loss of balance at times, my slower speed (no matter how fit I was – yes drama school and physical exercise go hand in hand, my nerves were just not able to transmit the signals as quickly as with my healthy classmates I realize this only now) and the tight and stiff muscles. I thought they were due to my inability – to my lack – to something I was actively doing wrong (oh the preconceived subtle subconscious messages transmitted through our ableist society) so I have basically ignored my symptoms and pushed through, applying every possible health advice I could find. Little did I know back then, that it was not related to some kind of personal shortcoming or of will power but to my immune system silently attacking my central nervous system. Reflecting back, I feel as if we live and breathe ableist notions without giving it a second
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