Moyna | Tomorrow to me.

What does the word ‘Tomorrow’ mean to you?

"Tomorrow" means hope. Today can be awful. But, tomorrow can be better. There is hope on the horizon by being able to power through to another day. A lot of days having MS feel horrible. We have to take life one day at a time. Being tomorrow can be better, less symptoms and an overall better day is possible.

How do you prepare for the future while living with MS?

I am still working on this. I am in the first year and some days I can imagine having this for the rest of my life. I am trying my best to not let my emotions get the better of me. MS can easily let me fall into a state of despair. I am shaking the idea that life is hopeless now. I understand that some days will be a struggle. But, others will be fine. For everyday I wake up feeling "normal", I appreciate it! Also, MS has introduced me into advocacy. I am working towards adding PoC representation within the MS community. I love what I am doing and take pride in adding to our community.

Do you think about your future work and employment?

I am working now. I work in communications at a vaccine research non-profit. I plan to continue there and do advocacy on the side.

What advice would you give to another MSer worried about what tomorrow may bring?

Don't be. Take a positive look at tomorrow. I understand in the moment that sounds impossible. Tomorrow is hope for a better day, physically and mentally. Everyday is not the same with MS and we can't assume everyday will be awful. I know the phase sounds silly but honestly "take it one day at a time."

How were you diagnosed with MS? How did you feel? What do you remember about that day?

I was diagnosed with MS on 12/31/19. It is still very fresh in my mind, especially since I am hitting my anniversary very soon. How it was hard to digest those words.

I was spending New Year's Eve and day in the hospital. My husband and I held each other as 2020 rang in. Trying to figure out what life would be like now. Our son was had recently turned two. What would life be like raising him now?  So many emotions were flooding through me. I was shocked to hear them, despite I was dealing with a large flare. Prior to my initial flare, I did not display any MS symptoms. To wake up one morning and have all of this start out of nowhere.

It took a month to be diagnosed. I felt that my life was over. Family and friends started visiting me in the hospital and I felt numb. Telling people about the diagnosis felt like I was sharing a story. It did not feel real and I had yet to accept it.

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