b'CCoonnttrriibbuuttiinnggttooRReesseeaarrcchhccaannbbeeEEmmppoowweerriinnggKKnnoowwyyoouurrddeeaallbbrreeaakkeerrssbbeeffoorreeppaarrttiicciippaattiinnggiinnaacclliinniiccaallttrriiaallBy Shambreki WiseRecently, I participated in a research studybut as a researcher to my core, I like aiding conducted by the University of Illinois Chicago.universities and colleges in understanding It wasnt my rst study, but it was the rstmy disease within the context of people who time I looked forward to sharing the quirkyt my demographic. Thats where I feel I can things my body may or may not go throughhave the most effect. as I complete my ninth year of living with MS.If the intake process includes additional I used to feel down about how many boxes Isteps, I nd studies that t my current lifestyle now check off compared to my 18-, 20-, oror challenge me to add something worthwhile 30-year-old pre-diagnosed self. But not today.to it. For instance, the study Im currently in Today,thequestionsfelttailoredtowardsmonitors my activity levels throughout the day. me and others like me.Tell me youre counting my calories without These questions reminded me even if Itelling me youre counting my calories, UIC. am older and some things are different, IBut seriously, the winter months are a huge have so much to be grateful for because myhurdle for me. My activity levels tend to drop "No" and "N/A" responses still outweighed mybecause of the lack of sunlight, so this (not-so-affirmatives. They didnt make me feel like asubtle) nudge to stay active is quite helpful. failure or that something was wrong if I hadLastly, could I see myself collaborating with to check severe fatigue or acknowledge thatthis organization again? If the answer is no, my body is especially challenged during thethats a red ag, and I wont participate. The winter months.value of any research lies in its participants, Today, I laid on a table, walked a line, repeatedand I dont want to feel like another number. muscular commandsand I smiled becauseDr. Zheng was kind and courteous. She was clear about her studys objectives, and she I got to contribute to the greater good. Mymade me feel valued. I look forward to seeing participation is going to help someone. Thisthe results of their research and would gladly was absolutely a full-circle moment for me.participate again if asked. But how did I choose my trial? What madeFinancial compensation is the cherry on me comfortable? What were my deal breakers?top of any study (for me, anyway). Lets be Im glad you asked.honest: we cant get our time back, but we canFirst, I refused to stop taking a medicine thatbe paid for it. Ill admit that Ive done a few worked for me. If youre comfortable (alongstudies without nancial incentives, and thats with your physician or healthcare provider)okay, too. I know people who look like me taking a sabbatical from your medications dont always run to sign up for research. If especially DMTsthen maybe those trialsmy participation encourages others to join could work for you.down the road, then its worth it. In the end, contributing to research not Personally, I prefer academic research ratheronlyfeelsempoweringbutalsoreminds than studies solely promoting companies whome of how far Ive come. Every step I take may not look to benet the general population. literally and gurativelyhelps move the Dont get me wrong: Ive participated in studiesneedle forward for others like me. And thats with a more targeted focus and narrow pipeline,something to celebrate. 37 msfocusmagazine.org'