For those of you that know me personally, you know my family means more to me than anything. I have always been an open book with my readers and when I started this blog a year and half ago it was in the midst of a devastating breakup. What most of you don’t know, is a year earlier my identical twin Julie was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I often times find writing and posting pictures therapeutic and this blog has become so much more than just a hobby to me. In a world that is greatly consumed with painting a perfect picture via social media, life isn’t always what it seems. I will tell you that there are a handful of people in my life that have been my support system. It’s amazing how a few people can help you get through your darkest days.
This past month, my sister decided to come out and start talking about her MS. I will tell you, each person with MS has a different journey. My sister has good days and bad days, but she is one of the strongest people I know. I was in denial for the first year. I didn’t want to learn anything about the disease. I was afraid to read what MAY happen. I will tell you, with all of the facts and research going on I truly believe there will be a cure for MS in the next ten years. I think one of the hardest parts about this disease are the misconceptions and I will say, sometimes people just say dumb stuff! A lot of people automatically think of Annette Funicello when they hear the word MS. As many of you probably know, Jack Osbourne also has MS and he is doing great. I have friends with family members that have had MS for thirty plus years and they are healthy, walking and living normal lives. A close friend of mine has a friend with MS who runs marathons.
There are so many great charities around the world that are paving the way to find a cure for MS. As you all know, I’m a huge shoe fanatic. Brian Atwood has partnered with Donald Robertson for a brilliantly curated collection of heels with the proceeds going to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Race to Erase MS is another great charity that has been heavily involved in finding a cure and they have the support of many actors and celebrities as well. Their annual gala has brought in millions of dollars for research. My sister is starting her own charity and is also about to start filming a documentary on her journey with MS. We have been blessed to have been raised in the entertainment industry from a very young age, so the amount of support has been amazing. Sometimes in life, we have to take a misfortune and turn it into a blessing. MS has given my sister a voice and has also attached a face, one of the many faces of MS to this disease.
I think in life, we sometimes find ourselves in the midst of a wakeup call. I will tell you, life is short so make it count. Don’t sweat the small stuff and tell the people that matter the most in life how much you love them..every day. I try and check myself in those moments when I’m complaining about something trivial. I’m truly lucky to have my health, the best family and friends on the planet and I’m also living my dream… and to my support system (you know who you are!) I love you more than you will ever know. I’m one lucky girl! xx
***Orange is the color of the Race to Erase MS campaign. Lips: Smashbox Be Legendary in Fireball Matte Nails: Wet n’ Wild WildShine Nail Color in Nuclear War
***Please read this article on the myths associated with MS
