Balancing Grit and Grace - Ahna Crum

Ahna was diagnosed with aggressive relapsing-remitting MS at the age of 16. As an avascular necrosis combatant, HSCT veteran, and partially bionic woman, Ahna has fought for functionality through conventional and holistic therapies. The experience of managing symptoms broadened into a passion of researching nutritional sciences, which led to a career as a Registered Dietitian and master’s degree in human nutrition and functional medicine. She combines her love of food and writing to restore health, hope, and highlight the ups and downs of life with MS. Ahna is a sunshine state native and relies on her faith in God, fur babies, music, and art to stay sane.

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I’m choosing continuity, because MS doesn’t believe in new year resets

Every year, January arrives with a familiar script as we are expected to embrace a new year with a clean slate. It’s the season for resolutions and sweeping promises we make to ourselves, as if our bodies have simply been quietly waiting for permission to cooperate. I’m not big on…

Ahna Crum

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A relapse showed me that trying to ‘prove’ my MS doesn’t work

This year has been a lot for me to deal with. It’s held more grief, trauma, and growing pains for me than any year before it. And it all started with a relapse of my relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) that came after nearly nine years of remission following my…

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The season of letting go of the curated self that MS helped build

There’s a kind of loneliness that comes from being almost understood — close enough for someone to recognize your outline, but not close enough to feel your weight. It’s a loneliness that doesn’t creep in all at once. It settles slowly, the way dust gathers on a shelf you thought…

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At the holidays, MS turns sensory input into neurological overload

The holidays have a way of turning up the volume on everything. The lights feel brighter, rooms feel busier, and even soft conversation seems amplified. Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) has taught me that this kind of noise isn’t just sound — it’s work. It’s one of the…

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Losing my sense of safety after an MS relapse

During my hospital stay earlier this year, all I could think about was the relief that would come when I finally went home. I pictured sinking into my own bed, exhaling for the first time in weeks, catching up with all that had happened inside my body. I needed…


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