"The Silent Battle: Unseen Wounds of Multiple Sclerosis"

 The worst effects of Multiple Sclerosis are rarely spoken about, hidden beneath the surface where they can torment the soul. It's not just the loss of mobility or independence—it’s the relentless assault on your identity. The MonSter strips away layers of who you once were, leaving you to struggle with a body that betrays you at every turn. The searing nerve pain, the unpredictable spasms, and the unbearable fatigue—all invisible to the outside world—consume your strength. But the real devastation lies in the isolation, the way it confines you to a prison that no one else can see, The isolation can be physical or mental, or both. You smile through it, but deep down, you mourn the life you once had. These silent battles are the ugliest side of the disease, unseen but deeply felt and grinding at your spirit daily. yet, we endure, fighting to reclaim even a shred of what was lost.

Read the sample/intro from my bo ok "My Story Isn't Over 

https://a.co/d/3zQSiW0" 

A Journey of Advcacy

My journey as an advocate began over 30 years ago, born out of necessity and shaped by the challenges I faced. After being injured at my government job, I quickly realized that I was up against more than just physical pain—I was battling a system determined to silence me. When I, along with two other employees, were eventually wrongfully terminated, it became clear the goal was to discourage workers like us from filing workers’ compensation claims. But instead of breaking me, it ignited a fire within me.

Then, in 1993, seven years later, I received the life-altering diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. On top of fighting to regain my job, I was now fighting for the totality of my future. My injuries had already left me in a terrible position—if I quit, I’d be unemployable for any meaningful employment. Quitting wasn’t an option. I had no choice but to fight.

I dedicated myself to reading, learning, and understanding the laws that were supposed to protect me. We partnered with our union, encouraging them to stand with, and to fight for us. They engaged in this long battle where we eventually won our jobs back. In doing so, it seemed a powerful message was being  sent to other employees who had been wronged by illegal management practices.  My tenacity and  determination was unbreakable. Together, we took on a system designed to dismiss us, proving that we would not back down.

This early fight wasn’t just about reclaiming my job—it was the foundation began a lifelong commitment to advocacy. It prepared me for the larger battles to come, including the fight for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the legalization of medical marijuana. I knew these fights were about more than just policy; they were about ensuring the rights, dignity, and futures of people like me.

I added my voice and my pen to these causes, reaching out to state and federal officials to urge them to vote in favor of laws that would protect people living with disabilities and chronic illnesses. I shared my story, using it as a  testament to the importance of these protections. Whether it was ensuring workplace rights, fighting for medical access, or advocating for compassionate legislation, I refused to stand by and let others dictate the course of my life and also the lives of those like me.

Through every battle, my resolve grew stronger. The challenges I faced did not define me, but they gave me the courage to demand better—not just for myself, but for anyone whose voice deserved to be heard.