My Story, A Photographic Essay on Life with Multiple Sclerosis
by Amelia Davis with foreword by
Mrs. Richard Pryor


Published by Demos Medical Publishing, 2004
Available at Amazon.com $13.95 (see link below)

Reviewed by WriteOP
MSWorld Book Reviewer


As I read several reviews online of Amelia Davis' book, the word powerful was repeated and I looked at her book with new eyes. Her black and white photography gives it a timeless feel where we might place ourselves as a subject with MS or caretaker, as well.

Amelia has photographed people with MS who could be your neighbor or friend even though some are well known, such as Richard Pryor and, of course, our very own MSWorld founder Kathleen Wilson. (Watch out, she has boxing gloves on! Don't mess with her? Nah, she's cool.)
Alongside each photo are well written stories of these people's lives. Some will most assuredly bring a tear to your eye, or a nod of recognition, or a smile. One overriding emotion which shows in the excellent photography and stories, is that life goes on - even with a life altering disease like MS. Surely, lives are changed, people are stronger internally, and people look at life at a slower pace yet they smile, love, cry, learn, stretch, exercise, dance, bike, write, advocate, and live fulfilling lives.

Another aspect I like in this book is the first names and photographs identify the people - Phil, Laurel, Judy, Luis, Julie, Margot...yet we are allowed to peek into their lives. Why? To inspire us to just keep moving, living, and loving. To rise above status and see each of us as equal.

How can I review a book on photography? With pleasure. With thankfulness I have the ability to see and appreciate the photographs and to be able to let my eyes slide to the words, the stories...we all have a story or two to tell and Amelia uses her obvious gift, her understanding of MS, and shares the pages with other's stories. This includes the caregiver stories alongside the narratives of people with MS.

Kelly's mother shares her feelings after hearing her daughter was diagnosed with MS - after a long wait: "Although surrounded by coworkers, I felt totally alone at that moment. The instinctive feeling that had kept me searching for an answer was suddenly replaced with shock and fear. 'God, no, please no, not Kelly, please take this from her. Give it to me - take me - she is so young. Dear God, I beg you, please!' Sobbing so hard I could not speak, my boss sent me home from work. How was I going to tell my daughter - and our family?" and Kelly says: "The journey between diagnosis and where I am today had many detours. Disbelief and denial were my initial reactions, keeping my feelings hidden from even my best friend. My competitive spirit was gone and I was angry." Kelly is a racecar driver.

Jackie was 51 when diagnosed with MS. She is married and has three children. After her initial shock, denial, and anger, she changed: "When my attitude changed, everything changed at home. Laughter, music, and joy filled our home, our children brought their friends over again, and Steve and I began to discover new ways to enjoy life."

You will turn through the 112 pages of photographs and stories and read about despair turning to hope, anger becoming new life, and love continuing in lives that have changed forever because of the words "You have MS" entering their lives.

Award winning Amelia Davis, people with MS and their caregivers share poignant messages.
Jennifer Lee Pryor's foreword will touch your heart.

You will keep this book in easy reach to read repeatedly - keep it by your bed, near your desk, close to your recliner, but buy it and keep it nearby because when you need inspiration, you will find it in these pages.


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