December 24, 2016
Well, it's been a while since I posted an update but here it is! First I must thank those who have helped me by donating since my last update:
Peter Weiss, Bruce Zarembka, Pete Silva and Paul Shea who are friends of my brother Paul...
Paula Frias, my friend from childhood with whom I reconnected last year...
Janice Blaise, a friend of my cousin JoAnne Aguiar...
and 2 more Anonymous donors, thank you whoever you are!
The support and generosity you've shown is greatly appreciated!
September 27, 2016
Thank you to Christine Brinkmann for her donation bringing the total raised thus far to $500! Chris, you are a sweetheart! I am so very grateful to everyone who has contributed, it was such a pleasant surprise to log on today and see that we've reached this milestone amount!
September 23, 2016
Thank you to those who have donated so far:
My brother Paul who got the ball rolling, my cousin Rick Aguilar, my friends Chris Largey and Carole Vierra Morris and to the kind and generous soul known as Anonymous, I am so very grateful to you all for your support and generosity! <3
August 23, 2016
This is a selection of artwork I created using Photoshop, a photo-editing software package from Adobe Systems, and a technique that mimics fractally generated art.The music accompanying this is a beautiful piece called, "Ancient Memories" performed by the late Derek Bell. Mr. Bell was the harper for the Irish group, The Chieftains. This piece can be found on a wonderful collection of harp music called, "Harpestry." It features harp music from a wide variety of styles performed by harpists from a wide variety of backgrounds and musical traditions.
August 19, 2016
This is a human interest piece the local news station did back in 2011. I invite you to visit the Facebook page, “A Host of Angels,” www.facebook.com/ahostofangels for a daily dose of beauty and inspiration! There, I post an angel image paired with an inspirational quote and my own reflections on that quote. You can enjoy this page even if you don’t have a Facebook page of your own. If you do have a page on Facebook, click on “like” at the top of the page and these beautiful images and inspirations will appear on your wall as they are posted. I welcome you to share your thoughts there as well!
August 14, 2016
I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in 2001. In February of 2010, I had the first of 2 relapses that left me hospitalized and with permanent disability. I needed a walker to get around at all. I worked hard to build my strength, balance and stamina and adapted my diet, cutting out dairy, grains, refined sugar, legumes and all processed foods and increasing veggies (especially leafy greens) fresh fruit and grass-fed meats. I also started making health and beauty products like shampoo, body wash and toothpaste as well as household cleaning products using things like castile soap, coconut oil, baking soda, vinegar and bentonite clay. I've basically substituted chemically based manufactured products in my life with homemade alternatives using non-chemical ingredients.
I can sometimes get around my apartment without any assistance or with the use of a cane but when I go out anywhere that requires walking I still use my rollator. Fatigue is still a problem and my right hand and arm are almost completely numb but I've learned to adapt. I haven't been able to run at all since January of 2010. I decided to try back in early March of 2014 and found I could run a few steps with my walker. It was a few steps at first but I kept at it, practicing in the hall of my apartment building and built up to where I am now. I actually ran 7 times this day, Easter Sunday 2014 with my great-niece Aniya running beside me and my family cheering me on.
8/23/16
My disability has since progressed but I'm determined to get back to where I can run again. After all, with hard work and perseverance plus some faith, hope and the love of family and friends, ANYTHING is possible! Next challenge, running without the walker, then... ROLLERBLADING!
MS, get out of my way, I have things to do!
