Differences.When we set out to look at the African-American experience of MS, we started with a simple two-part question: What's different? What's the same? In developing our story on how people come back after MS attacks, differences turned up again. It is clear that people use different ways to rebuild, to regroup re·group v. re·grouped, re·group·ing, re·groups v.tr. To arrange in a new grouping. v.intr. 1. To come back together in a tactical formation, as after a dispersal in a retreat. after setbacks, and to define what recovery really is. Richard Cohen Several people are named Richard Cohen:
tr.v. wield·ed, wield·ing, wields 1. To handle (a weapon or tool, for example) with skill and ease. 2. To exercise (authority or influence, for example) effectively. See Synonyms at handle. influence in mass media--in books, newspapers, magazine articles, and on television every weekday morning. They help tell America's story. And they too live with MS. What's different? What's the same? Vieira has chosen to help the Society communicate better to people who have just been diagnosed. Cohen cohen or kohen (Hebrew: “priest”) Jewish priest descended from Zadok (a descendant of Aaron), priest at the First Temple of Jerusalem. The biblical priesthood was hereditary and male. has chosen to campaign for transformation. In a culture marked by glorification glo·ri·fy tr.v. glo·ri·fied, glo·ri·fy·ing, glo·ri·fies 1. To give glory, honor, or high praise to; exalt. 2. of physical perfection, Cohen looks to the MS community and others with chronic illness and disability to change society's rules by refusing to accept a passive role, by refusing to be defined as less than anyone else. Does this sound familiar? African-Americans struggle with a legacy of hatred and discrimination that began over 350 years ago. They refuse to be defined as less than anyone else. In this issue, we hear African-Americans with MS refusing to be passive or isolated. They want to be seen for both their differences and their similiarities. Race-based support groups help create communities that draw on shared strengths. Such groups help end the stereotype that MS is a white disease. But access to the best care, to the medications, adaptations, and therapies that make life with MS more livable liv·a·ble also live·a·ble adj. 1. Suitable to live in; habitable: a livable dwelling. 2. Possible to bear; endurable: livable trials and tribulations. must be equally available to all. This issue affects everyone, involves everyone, and demands our united resolve. Information provided by the National MS Society is based on professional advice, published experience, and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician. Martha King Editor, InsideMS editor@nmss.org |
|
||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion