LETTERS: THANKS FOR SUPPORTING MS RESEARCH

To the editor:

Those of you who knew my mother, Francine Seier, know what a giving person she was, always committed to family, always devoted to friends. She had a heart of gold and always put others first, even when faced with the biggest challenge of her life: cancer. One of her final requests was in lieu of flowers at her funeral she would rather donations to go to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for Research. As you all know, her commitment to me and my disease was always a top priority. The support my family and friends have shown me is truly overwhelming, and it warms my heart to know my mother showed me this support at such a crucial time in her life. I know what a special mother I had, and I know how proud she was of the compassion and generosity my supporters have shown us toward this disease.

Since my diagnosis about five years ago, I have not been on medication, not until recently. I had an exacerbation with my MS shortly after mother passed away. This landed me in bed for a short while, but, as always, I had the loving support of my family and friends. I was on an IV of steroids for about five days and then decided to start treatment. I now administer to myself Avonex, and intramuscular injections once a week for the rest of my life. Well, let me rephrase that: once a week until they find a cure. The Avonex should reduce the frequency of attacks by about 30 percent. It is working beautifully. I have experienced no side effects, and my life is back to normal. I think my guardian angel, Francine, is watching over her baby girl.

The commitment our family and friends have shown us over the past five years is something my family is very proud of. I'm quite certain my mother would have been proud of her last effort to help her daughter. Together we raised over $5,000, which will be placed in my research grant. Thank you for your support, and thanks for helping my mother fulfill her last request to me. I'm quite certain you would have made her proud.

KATHY VAN de VEN

Maryville