Photo essay: Living with MS

[Frederick1]

Recently the local MS Society chapter contacted me and said a local photographer wanted to put together a "photo essay" showing what life with MS was like. They thought I might be interested, so gave me his name and #. I contacted him and agreed to do it.

I gave him total access to photograph my day from start to finish. Having pretty advanced progressive MS, almost everything is a struggle for me. There are some bright spots though.

I think what we/he came up with is very powerful. I describe it as honest, impactful, emotional, inspiring and professional.

You'll find a link to it in my profile.

I hope you'll take a look and share your thoughts. The idea was to give people unfamiliar with MS insight into what it can be like, so please do share it with anyone and everyone!

[Jules A]

The photographs are absolutely beautiful.

Many thanks to you and the wonderful photographer for sharing this with us.

[KatieAgain]

Fred-You are my hero! Thanks for sharing this.

[Sunapee]

You are very inspiring! Thank you for sharing these pictures, and I wish only the best for you.

[Seasha]

Thanks for sharing this Fred! I hope your message spreads well beyond MSWorld. Have you submitted this to the NMSS?

You take care of yourself

[Thinkimjob]

You are a beautiful, brave man.

[RockysMom]

Humbling

I'm very inspired and humbled by your essay. I'm very close to where you are with MS but I have someone take care of me, spouse. I'm so lucky. You are a soldier!

[REG53]

Frederick, you are truly inspiring.
Thank you so much for the essay.

[Frederick1]

Thanks everyone! To Seasha: yes, the NMSS is planning on using this prominently. Not sure exactly how yet. Also, a reporter from the Philadelphia Inquirer is going to do a story on it. He's coming to my house on Tuesday to interview me. Not sure when the article will appear, but probably a few days later.

[sewhappy]

Frederick,

You are strong in spirit AND have an infectious smile! The photos capture the raw and real side of the day to day life that you (and others) lead.

Thank you for sharing with us and the world.

Peace,
SH

[DebbieB]

Frederick,

Very cool! Thanks so much for sharing your day - and your life - with us. Wonderful and poignant story...thanks for educating others and giving a face to MS.

Thanks again,
Debbie

[AMJ]

Thank you for sharing this with us. The pictures are very well done and you sharing your story will go a long way into allowing people to see the real life struggle some face with MS.

You are a wonderful and inspirational person Frederick! Thank you once again.

[palmtree]

The pictures remind me of the art in Italian cathedrals. Very elegant. Also, I'm sure many of us relate to the details. Lying in bed and the struggle to get up, not wearing pants because pants are just too much trouble(most of us know exactly what you mean), the medicine bottles and the simple meals. That's it.