Ronda Giangreco is the author of The GatheringTable: Defying Multiple SclerosisWith a Year of Pasta, Wine & Friends Ronda Giangreco has always loved to cook. Her passion took her to Italy to attend cooking classes so that she could learn how to prepare delicious Italian meals for her family and friends. It wasn’t long after that that she was diagnosed with MS bringing everything in her life to a halt. As time went on, Ronda, in an effort to regain her life, said she made “an audacious vow to make a big dinner party every Sunday for a year.” Of course, Ronda had to make a few adjustments and simplify things to help her meet the challenge. As Ronda embarked on her journey she learned a thing or two about how to manage what needed to be done. Ronda recommends accomplishing a goal when you feel at your best. “I feel best in the morning.” She says “that is when I would set the table, put out the dishes I love and decorate, then all throughout the day I kept looking at the table and think about how much fun I was going to have. Even if I started to feel tired, I would sit down for a little while and enjoy the sight of what was going to be a fun evening.” Ronda said that she had to rethink the way she did things and remember that it is about coming together to enjoy the company of good friends. She gave a few practical tips to use when planning your dinner party. Serve family style - This makes it easier for you, promotes the attitude of coming together to enjoy each other’s company, and leaves out the formality of a plated meal. Incorporate some pre-prepared foods – This saves time, and guests didn’t seem to mind. Use local services, like grocery delivery, when available - This can not only free up a lot of time, but can also be used to help manage fatigue. These services are a big help. Ronda hung up her hat after a year of dinner parties, writing her book and going on a speaking tour. However, she found something she felt was worth her time. GatherMS is a place where people living with MS can find services, events, and support, all located within their communities. GatherMS services and information are vetted, inpart, by people who are living with MS. Visit GatherMS.com for more information. 4 Close Up