With or without MS, we are all unique people — from A to Z

Christy Hoffman poses for a picture with her husband Mike, who has MS. (Photos courtesy of Christy Hoffman)

Day 13 of 31

This is Christy Hoffman’s story:

Anxious. Blessed. Curious. Daring. Excited. Frustrated. Gregarious. Happy. Isolated. Jovial. Kind. Loving. Moody. Numb. Opinionated. Pumped. Quiet. Restless. Strong. Trusting. Underrated. Valiant. Worried. X-rayed. Youthful. Zombie-like.

Hoffman and her family sport matching orange T-shirts at PNC Park for the MS4MS Pittsburgh Pirates game. Seated in front is Hoffman’s son Jake, left, and husband Mike; standing, from left to right, are son Matt, daughters Annie and Mary, and Hoffman.

Am I describing myself? My husband who has multiple sclerosis (MS)? My children? You? In reality, I am describing all of us at many different stages in our lives. How can we all be the same and unique simultaneously?

This March, as we take the time to raise awareness and educate others about MS, let’s also celebrate our unique selves. This disease affects each person, each caregiver, each friend, each loved one differently because we are all uniquely different. Though the person diagnosed with MS may experience things more intensely, there is one thing we share: We are all human beings wanting to feel loved, accepted, and supported, no matter who we are or where we live. What also makes us unique is how we answer the simple yet complicated questions of who, what, when, and how.

Hoffman, who celebrates being unique each day, is seen holding a luminary candle.

If each of us could take the time needed to honestly answer:

• Who can help me?
• What exactly is it that I need?
• When is the right time?
• How can I communicate it all to those in my life?

Sometimes the answer is simply, “I don’t know.” What a conundrum! If only each of us could have all the answers, life would be so much easier. However, we are meant for more, and we just need to believe it! Search, ask questions, ponder, rest, be kind to yourself — and get to really know yourself so that others can get a glimpse of who you are, strengths and weaknesses alike! Don’t be afraid!

Whether you belong to a support community like MS4MS, or other MS groups, or you are still searching, know that you matter. There are many things we are unable to change in our lives, but that little space inside each of us is what makes us unique and special. No person, and especially no disease, can diminish that. Let your uniqueness shine through!

In recognition of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in March, the MS Community Spotlight campaign features a series of stories highlighting the real-life experiences of people affected by MS, written in their own words. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Pinterest for more stories like this, using the hashtag #MSSpotlight, or read the full series.