In a Constant Fight to Remain Neacy

After escaping an abusive relationship with two young sons in 2001, a year later my legs went numb as a journalism student at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, six hours away from my parents in Chicago.

My family history of MS

Scared to death, I thought I had brain cancer when the doctor told me there were lesions on my brain, not thinking I had multiple sclerosis like my maternal aunt and great-uncle. After a spinal tap, it was confirmed I, too, have M.S. I hugged the doctor because I knew M.S. wasn't going to kill me.

I have NO plans of stopping

Today, my younger brother and my cousin's daughter have M.S. My condition has changed over the years as now I must use a walker to stay mobile. I've lost friends and been disrespected by family who refuses to understand I now need the help I gave my aunt before she passed with this horrid disease. It's Ok. I am a fighter and now a senior editor content editor at the Chicago Tribune....with no plans of stopping.