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In December, 2013 the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA), partnering with Genzyme, a Sanofi company, held a nationwide search through their Why I Swim campaign.
They were looking for inspiring stories in the MS community, from those who are at different stages of the disease. On March 18, 2014, the MSAA posted a video with the stories of the three women chosen on www.SwimForMS.org/
Swimming is one form of water-based activity that offers many health benefits. Water workouts provide bouyancy which makes exercise easier for those with MS. Their bodies become more flexible and their muscles become stronger. Emotionally and psychologically, this type of exercise creates a greater sense of well-being.
Mary Sypawka from Harleysville, PA and Mandy Iris Vercoe from Flagstaff, AZ are two of three women chosen to tell their stories about how swimming has helped manage their MS symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
Mary had been having symptoms for some time but she didn't know what was wrong until she was diagnosed at age 34 -- three months before she was to be married. Fortunately the diagnosis did not change the wedding plans, she and her husband have now been married for 20 years.
She said that dealing with multiple sclerosis is so much about planning, and making use of the times when she is at her best. Mornings are the best part of the day for her to be able to do things. She also tries to make a point of taking naps and instituting rest periods.
"I've always believed I'll see a cure in my life time. So my goal is to keep from degenerating too much before it's found," Mary said in a phone interview. Swimming is a big part of her plan to maintain her health as much as possible.
Twelve years ago, Mary found an MS-specific swimming class near her place of work. Unfortunately the disease continued to progress to the point where she had to quit working, and she couldn't swim any longer. She took stock of her situation and was realistic in concluding that her new job was to take care of herself.
Later she was able to take up swimming again at a local YMCA in an MS-specific class that she helped institute. Swimming helps to make her stronger, developing her muscles, her balance and her overall confidence.
Being in the water also contributes to her sense of peace and comfort, invaluable for someone dealing with multiple sclerosis. Mary loves swimming and what it does for her so much she now has a pool in her yard.
Mary had received an email from the MSAA inviting her to take part in the Why I Swim campaign. She said that she was thrilled at this opportunity. She loves sharing information, knowing how much difference this makes for someone searching for help and support after a diagnosis of MS.
Iris is 26 years old and has had MS for two years. She was, and remains, a full-time nurse. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis about the time she was graduating from nursing school. In addition to the challenge of learning how to live with MS, during that first year Iris was also faced with the death of her mother.
Iris had had earlier experience working with the elderly, and with hospice care before she went into nursing. In the early days after she was diagnosed with MS, Iris found that those earlier experiences with hospice and the elderly made coming to terms with MS more difficult, not easier.
She said in a phone interview that having been with people who were in the last stages of their lives gave her an all too clear picture of just what can happen to the human body.
But as she learned more about MS, and found out more about what resources are out there, she was encouraged that her life with MS could be more manageable than she had first feared. She credits the MSAA for making such tools available to her and others.
Iris found swimming through the MSAA, which offers help and information to those with MS. Swimming works in a big way for Iris. It helps with physical symptoms like fatigue. She also found that her pool time allows her to grieve as she spends time alone in the water.
Swimming was hard for her at first. It was hard to make herself get into the pool, and to make the commitment to swim regularly. But it has been worth the effort.
She found that what works best for her is to set goals. In the beginning she committed to swimming 250 laps per month, to see what she was capable of.
Iris found the information about the Why I Swim campaign on the MSAA website at http://whyiswim.mymsaa.org/ She was eager to take part, to help others with MS, and to offer hope. She wants people with multiple sclerosis to know they are not alone. Iris has been involved in fund raisers, and has started a support group eight months ago.
Iris said, "There's a lot of movement out there, it's really inspiring."
The MSAA, along with Genzyme, makes new video, print and internet-based resources available for those with multiple sclerosis at their Swim for MS online Aquatic Center.
These resources include:
• Aquatic Exercise & Multiple Sclerosis: A Guide for Patients
• Aquatic Exercise & Multiple Sclerosis: A Healthcare Professional’s Guide
• Aquatic Exercise & MS Tip Sheet
• Webinar: Discovering Aquatic Exercise and MS
• Why I Swim Video Testimonials
Want more information on Swim for MS and the online Aquatic Center? Interested in signing up to learn more? Go to www.SwimForMS.org/
The MSAA is a national non-profit organization which provides support, free programs and services to improve the lives of those living with MS. To learn more, go to www.mymsaa.org or call (800) 532-7667.
Genzyme is a Sanofi Company which has developed and provided therapies for more than 30 years for those with rare and incapacitating illnesses. For more information go to www.genzyme.com/
Sanofi is a global health care leader which develops and distributes therapies for patients from seven growth platforms. These are animal health, consumer health care, diabetes solutions, emerging markets, human vaccines, innovative drugs, and the new Genzyme.
Sources:
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America’s Nationwide Search Uncovers Inspiring Stories
http://www.multivu.com/mnr/66154-msaa-genzyme-sanofi-inspiring-stories-o...
Interview with Mary Sypawka. March 18, 2014.
Interview with Mandy Iris Vercoe. March 18, 2014.
Visit Jody's website at http://www.ncubator.ca
Reviewed March 25, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN
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