Identity “Amultiple sclerosis diagnosis is not some- thing that is easy to adjust to, but understand the fact that, while MS may change the way you do things, it will never change who you were, are, and will become.” Jeffrey A. Segal CSCS*D, NSCA-CPT*D, CPTS Personal Trainer/Motivational Speaker “A couple of things: 1. The MS does not define you as a human being. You are much more than the MS. 2. Take good care of yourself – exercise, healthy nutrition, love others, and receive love. 3. Enjoy something about life every day.” Frederick W. Foley, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology “Working with amazing individuals living with MS overthe past 14years has taught me so much. I think the one thing I would want for a person living with MS to know is that they are a person first: a mom, a dad, a sister, a bestie, a boss, a teacher, and so on. Their diagnosis of MS does not define them, but adds to the amazing person that they are! You are strong. You are capable of so much. And you have a host of people here rooting for you! Don’t hesitate to reach out. You’ve got this!” EmilyCade,MS,CCM,CRC,CLCP director of outpatient services at Shepherd Center Attitude “Living with MS is a marathon, not a sprint. It is important to learn to play the long game, meeting each challenge with patience and using the unique talentsyou bring to the table.” Anneke Bender, PT, MSCS Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Sclerosis Institute at Shepherd “ApatientwithwhomIhavebeenworking in counseling recently said in a session, ‘Once I began to focus on my body rather than focus on the MS, my living with the MS got better.’ What this statement refers to is the importance of focusing on the things that folks with MS can control and letting go of the aspects of their MS over which they have no control.” Rob Godsall, Ph.D. Clinical Neuropsychologist at Shepherd Center (patient quoted with permission) “A tincture of hope mixed with all that healthcare has to offer can lead to great outcomes. You and your MS team, whoever they are, can beat MS.” June Halper MSN, APN-C, MSCN, FAAN CEO of the Consortium of MS Centers 11 msfocusmagazine.org Tell us what you want to see in MS Focus Magazine. Email comments to: editor@msfocus.org or write to: Editor, MS Focus 6520 N. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309