Balancing Grit and Grace - a Column by Ahna Crum

Ahna Crum 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 masterā€™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.

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 Iā€™ve carried this disease with me throughout my high school, undergraduate, and graduate education. I often struggled to juggle my healthcare and course…

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…

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…

Embracing the unknown in Russia taught me a crucial lesson

Note: This column describes the authorā€™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…