In our middle years, we all encounter changes in our health. We have to make changes to our lifestyles, whether it be by our choice or a lecture from our doctors, or the fact that we want to fit into that swimsuit we bought on sale a couple of months back. This got me thinking, how would my life change if I were diagnosed with an illness at my age? How is it different for those that are diagnosis with an illness in midlife?
Recently, my friend Heather was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. MS is a disease in which the immune system attacks the protective covering of the nerves and disrupts communication between the brain and the body. Fewer than 200,000 cases per years are reported in the US. There is no cure for MS. It is generally controlled by medication and lifestyle changes. in researching, I found a few notable celebrities that were diagnosed with including:
Actress Jamie Lynn Siegler – The Sopranos
Talk Show Host – Montell Williams
Comedian/Actor – Richard Pryor
Originally, I wanted to interview Heather for this blog post. I gave her a few questions to answer and gave her time to think about it.
Heather’s answers were so compelling, I decided not to write a blog post, but instead, I recorded an episode with her for my Podcast.
I could have typed out the interview verbatim, but I feel that it is much better to listen to her words, in her own voice.
I have added the audio file of the episode for you here http://bit.ly/2rqAcSF.
You can also stream this episode at www.themiddleyearspodcast.com, Itunes, Stitcher, Tune In, and Google Music.
Heathers positive outlook on her future is an inspiration, and I think her words are so relatable for people not only in midlife, but all ages.
Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with a life changing illness in midlife? Please reach out to me! I’d love to hear your stories!
Until next time,
Crystal
I had breast cancer at age 48. It totally changed my life. I never went back to work full time. At age 52 I started my own company making moisture wicking sleepwear, solving a problem from my experience with cancer treatments, night sweats! Having a life threatening or life changing disease with out a cure makes life more precious and more focused in my opinion.
Hi Haralee.. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your story. I agree with you, having a life changing illness with no cure DOES make life more precious. In midlife, we start to see things as we never had before. I think that it is wonderful that you were able to start your own business and help other people. Please send me an email, I’d love to hear more about your sleepware! Especially for those of us with those dreaded menopausal night sweats! themiddleyearsjourney@gmail.com
Wishing your friend Heather only the best. MS is such a cruel disease. 🙁 I care for a few people with MS in various stages.
It certainly helps to have a positive mindset and to fight the illness with all your might.
Thank you, Karin! I will pass on your good wishes. Heather is doing good and keeping busy. I am so proud of her and thankful that she came on the podcast to tell her story.
A very good friend of mine was just diagnosed with cancer. We often think disease correlates with old age but that’s not always the case. We have to definitely be supportive of those who are facing these obstacles.
You are so right Kristie…especially as we get older. A good support system and prayer are needed in times like these.