May 30th is World Multiple Sclerosis Day. On World MS Day 2024, we are honored to share insights from on MS from Cynde Stratton, a dedicated staff member living with multiple sclerosis. As an Independent Living Advocate with PILS, Cynde offers her own experiences with MS—from the numerous challenges to the triumphs of maintaining independence while living with a chronic condition. Her experiences capture the resilience and commitment to empowerment that WILC strives to embody every day.
- What kind of challenges do you face in maintaining independence with your MS?
“There are so many things that challenge my focus and emotional fortitude to sustain a consistent effort to maintain my independence. The unpredictability of MS presents the most challenging obstacle. Symptoms and their severity change with such frequency and intensity that it is easy to doubt my ability to meet challenges. One of the hardest aspects is not being able to trust my body.” Cynde expresses that MS’s unpredictability can make it difficult to keep social plans as well as appointments for her job and health.
Another challenge, Cynde shares, is that “many of my symptoms are invisible, so others have doubted my level of disability. This judgment has, at times, interrupted the consistency of my efforts to maintain my independence.” This judgment, along with the progressive nature of the condition, can fluctuate her levels of confidence, self-efficacy, and self-esteem.
2. What strategies have you found helpful in overcoming obstacles related to MS and maintaining your independence?
“Acceptance and flexibility are probably my most effective strategies.” She shares, “I practice good mental health and see a professional therapist. I stay socially and spiritually engaged and keep a support team of people that I trust.” On a practical and physical level, Cynde is observant of any permanent changes in her ability, creating and utilizing compensatory strategies as needed—this includes resources like physical, occupational, and speech therapy. “I develop relationships with my therapists so they can track the progression of my disease and assist me with developing compensatory strategies.” Because MS is a progressive disease that dictates one’s capabilities at any given time, Cynde emphasizes the importance of communication–“developing the skill and confidence to communicate exactly what I am experiencing and what I need to help others understand where and why I am having difficulties.”
3. How has your experience with MS shaped your approach to advocating for independence and empowerment within the disability community?
“My MS experience reminds me that each person and their disability experience is different. I am much better at meeting people where they are and advancing at a comfortable pace for them.” Having adapted the necessary practical and communicative strategies through her own journey with MS, Cynde approaches her advocacy work with PILS with much sensitivity and understanding. “My active listening skills and empathy continue to evolve,” she shares. “I want to be an example to my clients that you can live well despite having a disability. I make a consistent effort to acknowledge challenges, celebrate successes, and empower others.
4. What advice would you offer to others living with MS who are striving to maintain independence and pursue their goals?
Cynde offers valuable advice to others living with MS who are striving to maintain independence and pursue their goals. It is important of course, Cynde says, to “maintain overall good health. Eat well, get plenty of sleep, hydrate, keep stress to a minimum, and stay as active as you can.” Cynde emphasizes the equal importance of taking care of one’s mental and emotional outlook. “Keep a positive attitude and believe that you can have a productive, satisfying life.” She further affirms the importance of a positive attitude, advising others living with MS to “practice gratitude daily” and “surround yourself with people that share your optimism and encourage you.” Her final piece of advice—”Never give up!”
WILC would like to thank Cynde Stratton for sharing her experiences and invaluable advice. Her continued dedication—not only to herself, but to helping others on their independent living journeys as well—is a testament to the strength and resilience of individuals living with MS. On this World MS Day, we celebrate her journey and the journeys of countless others who face similar challenges. At WILC, we remain committed to supporting and empowering individuals with disabilities, helping them to lead self-directed and fulfilling lives.
