Columns The MS Wire - A Column by Ed Tobias Don’t Let Multiple Sclerosis Ground You Don’t Let Multiple Sclerosis Ground You by Ed Tobias | August 9, 2016 Share this article: Share article via email Copy article link Flight is freedom in its purest form, To dance with the clouds which follow a storm; To roll and glide, to wheel and spin, To feel the joy that swells within; To leave the earth with its troubles and fly, And know the warmth of a clear spring sky ā Gary Claud Stokor I’ve been there.Ā I’ve done that.Ā I’ve climbed out into a sunrise and have felt the freedom of flight. I earned my private pilot’s license in the late 1970s, a few years before I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I haven’t flown in a long time, though, because I quickly learned that I couldn’t fly frequently enough to stay sharp enough to stay safe. But I’ve never lost the love of flying. And my eyes turn skyward every time I hear a light aircraft pass overhead. So, I was very interested to read an article on The Telegraph (U.K.) website about eleven disabled people in the U.K. who have recently learned to fly. They all received no-cost lessons that were sponsored by a U.K. group called Flying Scholarships for Disabled People. Since 1983, more than 400 people have taken flying lessons from FSDP. Most of them have flown solo, or solo with an instructor, by the end of the program. Some have even continued on to get their private pilot’s “ticket.” And, yes, some of those students had MS. Another organization in the U.K. that puts disabled folks in the pilot’s seat is Aerobility. Like FSDP, it provides lessons at no cost and is run by volunteers. Similar organizations exist elsewhere.Ā Among them, Able Flight in the U.S. and Wheelies with Wings in Australia. Medical certification is required for a pilot’s license no matter what the country. Here in the U.S., a diagnosis of MS means an extra neuropsychological evaluation, adding an extra hurdle over which to jump. But it can be done. Dierdre Dacey was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at age 16 and by the time she was in college, she had to begin using a wheelchair. Through the Able Flight program she earned her Sport Pilot’s License. Her words on the Able Flight website, should give you all the encouragement you need: āAble Flight has changed my life.Ā I always wanted to fly but was told it would never happen. Able Flight took me out of that box and told me to go fly and be free. Even though it was completely new to me and I had had no former experience, everyone was supportive and positive and certain I would be able to do thisā¦and I did! I will never be able to say, āThank You!ā enough!ā (I hope youāll follow me here on Multiple Sclerosis News Today, and also check out some other posts on my personal blog: www.themswire.com). Note: Multiple SclerosisĀ News TodayĀ is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.Ā The opinions expressed in this columnĀ are not those ofĀ Multiple SclerosisĀ News Today, or itsĀ parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Multiple Sclerosis.Ā Print This Page About the Author Ed Tobias People say to write what you know and Ed Tobias knows about MS. He's lived with the illness since 1980, when he was 32 years old. Ed's a retired, award-winning broadcast journalist and his column combines his four decades of MS experiences with news and comments about the latest in the MS community. In addition to writing his column, Ed is one of the patient moderators on the MS News Today Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram sites. Heās also the author of āThe Multiple Sclerosis Toolbox: Hints and Tips for Living with M.S.ā Ed and his wife split their time between the Washington, D.C. suburbs and Floridaās Gulf Coast, trying to follow the sun. Comments Leave a comment Fill in the required fields to post. Your email address will not be published. Your Name Your Email Your Comment Post Comment
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