In Memory of Those Lost to the Battle With Multiple Sclerosis

It always bothers me a bit when I am thanked for my service in the U.S. Coast Guard on the occasion of Memorial Day. While I appreciate the sentiment, it’s Veterans Day when we celebrate and appreciate all who have served their country in the military services. Memorial Day, on the other hand, is the day we remember with solemn thanks those who answered the call in times of war and crisis but did not return home. Armed Forces Day is the day we thank active-duty military personnel. No Veterans of Multiple Sclerosis There are no “veterans” of multiple sclerosis (MS) because there is no cure. We are all “active-duty” once diagnosed as we live our lives, fight battles large or small, and combat a disease that is waging war on our immune system. While there are no veterans of MS, there are those we memorialize. Death by direct cause of MS is fairly rare, but it happens. Also in the mix are those who succumb to “complications of multiple sclerosis,” and I have personally known two people whose deaths can be attributed to clinical trials of very aggressive MS treatments. Remembering Those Who Have Gone Before On the occasion of Memorial Day, I remembered family members I’d never met who perished on ships and beaches and jungles on behalf of generations living and yet to come. I also thought of the men and women who succumbed to disorders of traumatic stress after their wartime service was completed. Today, the memories of the MS friends and acquaintances who are no l...
Source: Life with MS - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: MS multiple sclerosis Living with MS trevis gleason Source Type: blogs