My name is Denise Bonner Smith.

 

My life changed 23 years ago when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis commonly known as MS,  Multiple Sclerosis is a non-curable auto immune disease that is unpredictable and will attack your body in the blink of an eye with little-to-no warning.

 

According to the National MS Society, there are now 2.8 million people worldwide who have multiple sclerosis (MS), according to the most extensive Global study to date. That means every 5 minutes someone, somewhere in the world is diagnosed with MS. Nearly 1 million of them are living in the United States.

 

Well, I was diagnosed with MS 23 years ago. This is my story.

 

One morning I woke up as usual and proceeded to dress for work. By lunchtime, my entire world started to change.  A co-worker asked me to walk to the bank with her. As we began walking downtown Chicago my ankles began to give out. In order to make it back to the office my co-worker and I had to take a taxi. I was not worried. Of course it had to be the granny boots (stupid shoes) Upon returning to the office my day proceeded as normal. At the end of the day, I went home took off the stupid shoes changed into another pair, no problem, walking as usual.

 

In a couple of months my mother became extremely ill. One morning I rushed her to the hospital about 3 a.m.. Nothing would ever be the same. I realized my mother would not recoup. On the day of her service I was dressed in a gray suit with matching shoes (heels of course). Again! My ankles began to give out and this time there was no turning back. My cousin strongly suggested I change shoes because the limo arrived.  With great reluctance I changed shoes (this did not match my outfit).

 

Again, nothing would ever be the same. I began to complain to my sister (who is an RN) I was always tired no matter how many hours I slept ( I did not know this feeling called fatigue) .

My sister recommended a physician who ran many test and brought in a neurologist. Together they diagnosed me with multiple sclerosis by taking a sample of fluid from my spine.

 

Today, 23 years later MS has gradually affected me in many ways. The greatest impact is physically. My ability to walk has become increasingly more difficult. Now, I walk with the assistance of a cane for short distances. This is quite tiring and cumbersome because my right foot has a tendency to drag and cause me to trip over my own foot. Still, I remain prayerful positive and hopeful!

 

A couple of weeks ago I was able to participate in a trial for a device called L300 Go, a lower leg cuff. The L300 Go sends an electronic pulse through my leg which enabled me to pick up my right foot and walk. It is amazing! With the L300 Go leg cuff I will no longer have to struggle to pick up my right foot. Walking will be a lot easier with this device and allow me to continue to be self-reliant. I have always been a responsible and self-reliant independent person, this would allow me to continue to do so.

I am fighting to live, to keep my Independence and not allow MS to cripple me. So, I am asking for your support to help me purchase the L300 Go.

 

This device is not covered by private insurance or Medicare and cost $6,000. Therefore, this is an out-of-pocket expenditure.  To obtain this device I am calling on my family friends and Village to help me obtain the L300 Go.

 

No amount is too small and any amount is very much appreciated.

 

There is no cure for MS but there is hope!

 

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable often debilitating disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are leading to better understanding and moving us closer to a world free of MS. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 and it affects women three times more than men.

 

Help me keep hope alive.

 

Thank you for taking time to read and your contribution. Please forward to anyone who can help.

 

 

Sincerely,

https://youtu.be/RegbiT1mT4M