hope

Why hope is important in managing my NMOSD

I’ve always been a superstitious person. It started by listening to tales about my oma (grandma), who was a believer in the dark arts. My greatest memory of her is from one evening when she called everyone to say goodbye, knowing she would pass away the next day. And she…

Upcoming Research Gives Me Hope for the Future of Pediatric NMO

In the five years since my daughter Bella, 14, was diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), I have just barely come to accept that we may never know how or why she developed the disease. As Bella’s mom, I’ve spent countless sleepless nights filled with guilt and worry that something…

There’s More Hope for Treatment Now Than When I Was Diagnosed

I still remember the feeling of despair I had while sitting on a cool stretcher in the neurologist’s office, after hearing devastating news about my health. The neurologist admitted that he had no idea what I had, but he assured me it was a severe condition. I wondered why after…

When I Was Paralyzed, Envisioning My Future Helped Me Hold On to Hope

This column is a message to all of the patients currently undergoing an extended hospital stay. I know it is easy for people to share encouraging words when they aren’t the ones in a difficult situation. But let me just say that I know what you are going through. Unfortunately,…