Volunteering beats isolation.

I have no visible symptoms of MS except when I am extremely fatigued or have spent too much time in heat and humidity. While I feel that I am socially well-connected, I have been hesitant to participate in activities such as fund raising or volunteer work, especially if it involves being outside. I belong to a teachers' sorority that does service work in our community and was asked to sell concessions at an outdoor art festival. I declined, worried about being in a booth outdoors and not knowing if there would be a place to sit.

Then I read Alison Dale's "Isolation" (August--September 2006). Later that week, I agreed to work the festival. I feel much better after practicing the advice in this article, knowing that I will be participating with my friends in this service endeavor.

Barb Saxton, South Dakota