In life with MS, a mother’s love makes all the difference
The uncertainty of my diagnosis clouded my future, but she helped clear my path
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Raised by a single mom, I always knew I had someone in my corner, encouraging my wildest dreams, while supporting me through my journey with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS).
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been driven by a desire to challenge myself and embrace new experiences. This mindset has largely been shaped by my lovely mom and by watching her overcome the hardships that life has presented her. Even through much adversity, she has never faltered in her work ethic, positive outlook, and happiness.
Being diagnosed with MS during my senior year of high school strained my aspirations to pursue higher education. Much of this stemmed from the uncertainty surrounding my diagnosis and not fully understanding what it meant for my future. My life at this time was filled with fear, grief, and confusion.
Always there
Desiree Lama, right, receives a kiss on the forehead from her mother, Manuela Lama. (Photo by Roger Evans)
Despite being consumed by those emotions, I knew I was never truly alone. Even when I was living on my own in a new city during my first year of college and began to question my ability to get through each day, my mom was there to remind me that I had always been capable of achieving whatever I put my mind to.
There were many times in college when MS seemed to get the best of me, from worsening symptoms to relapses, and it felt like a barrier preventing me from being the best that I could be. On those days, when my migraines and chronic fatigue depleted my spirit and determination to carry on, my mom was only a phone call away and would pick me up from college so I could spend weekends at home, giving me the reset I desperately needed.
Looking back, I know I would not have accomplished my wildest dreams without my mom’s unconditional love and unwavering support. Through every challenge MS brought, she reminded me of my strength, helping me earn my PhD in educational psychology from a world-renowned university and giving me the confidence to pursue another dream — opening my own cottage bakery.
My mom and the rest of my wonderful support system continuously remind me that my MS diagnosis will not prevent me from living the life I envision for myself. Although the journey to my goals may look different from what I once imagined, I know I am still capable of reaching every destination I set for myself. And I can thank my beautiful mom for thinking so too.
Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today 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. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
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