Living with and understanding MS – local writer says it all
Jackie is grateful for all she has despite her illness and her positive attitude is truly inspiring.
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LIVING with multiple sclerosis is one thing but, for those living with you, understanding it is another.
Jackie Barnard from New Redruth, Alberton was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in February 2014. Her journey since has been a challenge. With an infectious smile and a zest for life, she hasn’t allowed her condition to stop her from pursuing all she deems important. Her new book, ‘The Monster Living Within’ is a personal account of her life as a patient suffering from multiple sclerosis.
” My aim is that if I can help someone who is going through what I went through or if a family member doesn’t really understand what they are going through, this book will help them. This is what made me want to write the book,” she explained.
She also thinks it is important for those who have family members suffering from the same condition to understand the experiences better and their loved one’s feelings.
Jackie is grateful for all she has despite her illness, and her positive attitude is truly inspiring. “I am 45 years old, have two children and two grandchildren, I have a wonderful supportive fiancé who is with me all the way. He helps me with encouragement when I feel down or help wherever I need it,” she commented.
“My outlook is to be as positive as possible, help where I can and pray that there will be a cure for MS soon. I hope that my book will help anyone who reads it in some way.”
There are often many attitudes in life that can be contagious. This is definitely one that is worth catching.
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