I'm curious to know if there are many East Asian MSers slipping under the radar in the UK or even across the world perhaps? In the UK, it's not a surprise if a friend, or a friend of a friend of a friend has MS - I guess you can call it the 'Six Degrees of Multiple Sclerosis'. It's that common because it's openly discussed as an accepted inconvenience, and more commonly - personal battles are shared and celebrated with an undertone of the stiff upper lip. But what I noticed was that there's a lack of, or even non-existent, East Asian MSers out there. My family were originally from Hong Kong, but I was born and raised in the UK with the best of both worlds. I was the first to go to university in my family, and now the first to be diagnosed with MS. Not that I was aspiring for the latter. I know MS is more common among caucasian groups, not that other ethic groups are immune to MS, but just lower incidences, so I expected the numbers to be relatively low. I was told at Addenbrookes I was probably the first Chinese in Anglia to be diagnosed. Weirdly part of me was quite chuffed as I thought to myself I was unique, yet at the same time raging that I had drawn the short straw! Anyway, culture shock: I assume could apply to the greater Asian community, seems to drive a wedge between MSers and their families. Being diagnosed with MS itself is a life changing event for the individual, but an even greater ramification on how their family responds to the diagnosis. A wide spectrum of Asian cultures share a similar attitude to MS, some view it as a misfortune befallen on the family, maybe a curse, or even punishment served by the many deities and gods for their misdeeds. A supposed shame that at times could drive the MSer into self imposed isolation, desperation and despair. This shouldn't be seen as a generalisation of all Asian families, but it's all too often dealt in a manner that lacks the compassion and support for the MSer and everyone around. I've had my fair share of hurdles with my family, but you'll be surprised no matter how tough things appear, it brings out the best of everyone and you all move forward together. So I'd be keen to share the experiences and stories with people about their cultural journey with MS. It would also be a good opportunity to empower the silent minority to reconnect with the community. As Confucius once said "It's good to talk!", wait, or was it British Telecom....