“Focus on what you CAN do” ~ Jimmie Heuga
Ever had a pain that no one understands? It can hurt until you find someone that does understand. Somehow that person makes the pain less powerful.
Then you find a group of people that appreciate what you are going through. And they make the pain nonexistent.
That happened to me last week. I spent four days at the CAN DO Multiple Sclerosis Program in Denver, Colorado with a group of people who identifies with my struggles with MS.
How did I get to go?
Well, to attend the program, there is an application process. Once you fill out the forms, they will contact you. I applied last year but I didn’t get in. But this year I made it!
Essentially the program is a comprehensive series of presentations and workshops focused on multiple sclerosis. Subjects ranged from how to improve your sex life and intimacy to dealing with bowel problems. There are also private consultations specially designed for participant needs. As well as, separate support partner only meetings.
The coolest part is, the program is sponsored. That means it is free. Well not totally. We paid $100 to hold our spot and we were responsible for the cost to get to Denver. Some people drove cars. We flew. The flight round trip from New Orleans was $700. Overall the program pays for food and lodging for two people. So we got breakfast, lunch, dinner and a handicap room at the Hilton DoubleTree in Denver for five days.
It was a very unique experience to find common ground with people from all types of backgrounds. To spend so much time surrounded by individuals who represented every stage of MS. Some were walking and some were in wheelchairs. I even met someone who has been reading this blog since 2014. Jane Vasquez from Chicago. It was so flattering that she recognized me.
So I know what you are thinking.
Did I learn anything? Was it fun? Did I get some medical marijuana?
Well, days before, I had been feeling a little detached and down. As if I was frozen by distress. This program was like a perfect breeze that sailed away the sadness. Leaving me with a gentle light of warmth and understanding. Fueled by the sympathy of the people whom I shared my thoughts. They showed a unique appreciation of my plight and knowledge of the chains that sometimes holds me back from happiness. Their prospective gave me life. Like a blanket of love covering me. Blocking the bitterness of the cold. CAN DO MS was the magical sunlight that chased the winter away. They made me believe: I AM. I CAN. I WILL.
Also, no I didn’t get any weed.
No weed?! Wonderful to hear such events are happening around the world, and that people and organisations are sponsoring them. We hope such support becomes more widely available. Thanks for the smile and the inspiration!
First, you should have got some of that “MEDICAL Marijuana” while in Denver! Next, I’m happy you took the chance to spread your wings and experience this conference. Just knowing that you had a good time and gotten a lot of information out of your trip there puts a big smile On my face. By now you’d should already know just how brave and outgoing you are and I’m so proud to know that every chance you get you jump right out of your comfort zone and make something happen beautiful..
Love your blog. How can I register for the Can Do Ms Conference next year?
Aurora,
There is a registration period. Not sure when it starts. You can contact them and check it out at the following link. http://www.mscando.org/multiple-sclerosis-programs/can-do/
Hi My New Friend,
I loved seeing the picture of the both of us. It was so awesome to meet you after following your blog for a couple of years! I will be praying for you as you figure out what you should do next as far as course of treatment! My new motto hanging on my bulletin board is “Choose faith over worry.” Helps a lot when you try and live that way. Keep in touch!
Love, Jane
I am so happy that you had this wonderful experience!
Hey Nicole! Thank you so much for this blog! I had found your videos on YouTube and had subscribed to you on last year when I was newly diagnosed with RRMS and trying to find others with MS to assure me that I wasn’t in this fight alone.
I recently found your blog and I have been reading each post like I was flipping pages in a book. Your story is so interesting! Thank you so much again for sharing your story.
God bless you and your husband. I look forward to reading more post from you.
I’m so happy for you, Nicole that you had that chance to go.
Take good care!
Hi Nicole! It was so wonderful to see this post! Haha, and I loved the bit of humor 🙂 Please continue to stay in touch with us. On behalf of all of us at Can Do MS, we truly miss each and every person we meet throughout our programs. Your rock. And yes, you can and you will do whatever you set your mind to. Wishing you much happiness and health!
Hell yeah, there’s the Nicole I know! Rock on, my friend. And since you handled the altitude, a visit to mile-high Albuquerque is back on the table. 🙂
That sounds awesome! So glad you got to go!
How wonderful! So happy that you got to go to such a supportive and helpful session. You make me want to apply! Thanks for sharing…
Bless you! Ah, the power of people who simply PAY ATTENTION and LISTEN. I haven’t had the strength to leave the house much, read as “at all,” but simply talking to someone who is not MSed but at least LISTENED, was really important.
And if you’re not in a weed state, go to one. California takes more forms to fill out, but we do have good stuff. And the Colorado weed has to beat Coors. Yawn.
And I gotta say, you look wicked better in a wheelchair than I do!
So thrilled for you NIcole. What an awesome program.
Nicole,
I am so pleased you had the opportunity to attend this great event. I attended in 2013 and after becoming a fan of your blog suggested you contact them about attending yourself. I wish everyone who fights this disease has the opportunity to attend one of their events. The fact that they include the caregiver in the program is so inviting. Don’t be surprised about meeting people who read your blog, you have quite a large fan base. God Bless.