What is MS Energy? Find out in our guest post from Cassandra White of multiple sclerosis charity Shift.ms.
MS Energy from Shift.ms
George set up www.shift.ms with his friends following his diagnosis with MS at the age of 22. MS is the most commonly diagnosed neurological condition in people in their 20s and 30s in the UK. Despite this, George found it difficult to find other MSers of his age, even online. This frustration led him to set up a website, where MSers could meet and share experiences. This later became www.shift.ms.
George says: ‘Over the years I have seen and heard from so many MSers who understand the feeling of wanting to do something – anything – positive to respond to their new situation. This reaction can take many forms: starting a blog, fundraising, running a marathon, volunteering, learning new skills, changing their career, starting a family, working harder or living healthier. However it manifests itself, after a transformative experience, your perspective shifts and the desire to get up and do something becomes strong.
I have always described this response as ‘MS Energy’. This term has always felt like an oxymoron to me – these words don’t usually live together – however it explained the strong desire to do something positive as a result of my diagnosis.’
After sharing this idea with our community of 6000 MSers, we soon discovered that it struck a chord with many people. Members were keen to share their stories with the rest of the MS community.
At www.shift.ms/ms-energy you can read these stories and if you wish, add your own.
We have also created this film which explains the concept more:
Our charity’s motto is ‘MS doesn’t mean giving up your ambitions, just rethinking how to achieve them’. Our MS energy project has really highlighted just how many MSers are out there living this motto every day.
Twitter: @shiftms