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 don’t have to be an Olympic medalist to achieve remarkable things

Growing up, athleticism was part of my identity. To a degree, I measured myself by what I was physically capable of doing. I was constantly driven to test my limits, always aiming for higher, stronger, and more daring. I’m still in awe at what the human body is capable of.

Ahna Crum

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Embracing ambiguity while living in the gray

In recent months, while seeking to balance work, home life, family, and well-being, I’ve sought strategies to help me tackle perfectionism. On the health front, I’ve faced major struggles with my relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, secondary adrenal insufficiency, and avascular necrosis. However, to this day, my perfectionism is the most…

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How weathering hurricanes is like living with multiple sclerosis

As a native Floridian, I’ve been through my fair share of hurricanes. Because they’re so familiar, I’m probably a bit too indifferent to them. But in many ways, hurricanes parallel my life with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS); each involves preparation, weathering of the storm, and adjusting to the aftermath.

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How disability accommodations supported my educational journey

For students, it’s back-to-school season with the recent start of the fall semester. I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis at a young age, so I’ve carried this disease with me throughout my high school, undergraduate, and graduate education. I often struggled to juggle my healthcare and course…

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Learning how to maintain good health was a lesson in endurance

While watching the Olympics recently, l found myself reminiscing about the days when I played sports. I used to dream about becoming the next Shannon Miller in gymnastics or Mia Hamm in soccer. A more realistic dream was playing sports in college, but that goal quickly became unattainable. In eighth…

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Feeling grateful on my 8th stem cell transplant birthday

June is a special month for me. Eight years ago I had an autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (aHSCT) in Moscow to treat my multiple sclerosis (MS). On June 22, I celebrated my eighth stem cell birthday! A stem cell transplant, or “stemmie day,” is when patients…

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Embracing the unknown in Russia taught me a crucial lesson

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with an autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (aHSCT). Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. In June 2016, I traveled to Moscow with two friends. The first evening we were…


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