Below is the letter I sent to Novartis in February. Also, I’ve enclosed a copy of the Winter/Spring 2018 issue of The Motivator magazine that gives you real, in-depth information about MS. A lot has changed since I was diagnosed, 16 years ago. I hid my MS for more then 10 years because I could and because people were un-informed about, what it meant to be diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
Dear Gilenya Guide Network,
I began taking Gilenya mid-June 2015. Within the 10 months prior to starting Gilenya, I had 3 relapses, that included leg weakness, hip pain and numb feet.
Two years and 6 months months later, I am relapse free and I absolutely, attribute it to the power of Gilenya, which I believe changed the course of my MS greatly. Being a Gilenya Guide would give me the chance to share my story with hopes of inspiring others. When I was diagnosed with Relapsing MS in 2002, my work was in the inside-front pages of top fashion magazines. I was the Art Director for Estée Lauder’s global advertising. Soon after, I was recruited by Starwood Hotels & Resorts where as Creative Director I traveled the world, directing lifestyle and architectural photo shoots. My MS symptoms have changed my abilities to do some of the things I love but my artistic vision and creative curiosity have only transitioned in new directions—16 years after my first MS symptom, I am writing and illustrating a children’s book, learning to horse back ride through equine therapy, swimming laps at the YMCA, tracing my Irish/French ancestry and cooking recipes collected during my travels, from Risotto to Pad Thai.
MS is a lens that may have changed my view but I am, now stronger, richer and more determined because of it.
I am now a Gilenya Guide, making my MS work for me.
I hope this issue will help answer the questions, I know you have, about MS. I learned a few new things, myself. By the way, I was not, really surprised and happy to see, the IN CLOSING is my new neurologist, Dr. Stephen Krieger.
