How Positive Changes Are Helping People With Disabilities

Societal attitudes toward disabilities have changed in more ways than I ever imagined and I'm grateful for it. The shift from hushed voices talking about illness to inviting patients to share personal stories makes me feel like I've crawled out of a dark, scary hole and landed in a place where I can feel the sun again.

The busy, productive and enlightening few weeks I just had helped me feel this way. If you asked me what I've been working on I'd have to say the main focus has been about Multiple Sclerosis. But if I said it was only about MS it would be like saying Cary Grant had a pleasant face. It doesn't complete the picture.

Indomitability. Character. Compassion. Intelligence. Curiosity. Commitment. Love. Friendship.

It began with a road trip to Philadelphia where I was invited to be on an MS patient panel along with 3 other advocates. It was an incredible opportunity to express our opinions on what it's like living with MS.

Folks asking US to speak OUR truths? That seemed surreal yet amazing.

Sitting at our roundtable were key players from a public relations firm, a pharmaceutical company and a well-respected health and wellness website. They wanted to hear our personal stories, opinions and what we've heard from other MS patients across social media channels.

We were open and honest, holding nothing back, particularly while discussing a recent television ad by a pharmaceutical company that did not portray someone living with MS in an accurate manner.

The patient perspective is alive and well these days. Our voices have become a hot commodity for big business and the medical community, and we are ready to be heard.

Damn, it feels so good.

The Four MS Musketeers: Danielle Sciocchetti, Dan and Jennifer Digmann (who I was thrilled to finally meet in person after knowing them for years; they are such dear people) and me. Four people living quality lives with MS

Passion. Intelligence. Creativity. Integrity. Brilliance. Family.

That same week I attended a meeting at the office of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), a place where I feel part of an incredible family. As their blogger, and part of the press corps, we had more planning to do prior to CMSC's upcoming 30th anniversary meeting being held at the Gaylord National Resort and Hotel in National Harbor, Maryland. The event brings together over 2,000 MS leaders from around the world to discuss what's new and on the horizon for the MS patient.

The meeting welcomes healthcare professionals, researchers and advocates to not only celebrate 30 years of achievements but to also learn more about new and emerging therapies. It's a chance to hear new information that positively impacts both the clinical practice and research. There's also opportunities to attend over 130 hours of educational sessions for the multidisciplinary audience. (To find out more about the annual meeting and what's being offered please click here.)

Listening intently to the opening speaker at the CMSC annual meeting, 2015

Now it's time for a little vaguebooking, something I generally despise but for now it'll have to do. I'm working on a project proposal that, if granted, will have far-reaching benefits for the MS community. So please cross your fingers and toes, don't walk under any ladders or break any mirrors while thinking about me, okay? I'm praying for some smooth sailing.

Resolve. Courage. Character. Willpower. Spirit. Spunk. Determination.

My husband and I recently visited the fascinating Museum of the City of New York. If you're in Manhattan and have a chance to visit I highly recommend it. A history and art museum that opened in 1923, one exhibit in particular stood out to me that day.

No narrative is necessary to accompany the following photos. It's self-explanatory. That said I would like to say that every physically challenged person featured in these photos are champions. They are true heroes.

Here's a look at the photos I took from the exhibit "The New York Marathon: The Great Race":

Those of us who are physically or mentally challenged continue to dream of living a "normal" life, where a cure will be found, better medicines will be discovered, and tolerance and compassion will be in abundance.

For now I'll continue to use my voice to help create positive change for my community. For now I'll bask in the glow of seeing others in the disability community thrive in ways none of us ever dared to dream of.

Let's all keep moving forward.

The No-Iron Foxcroft Collection: How It Makes Life Easier For Someone With A Disability

The following is not a sponsored post. I received no compensation, other than a Foxcroft blouse as a gift for attending the BOOMBOX Network Social Soiree. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Photo: Foxcroft website/foxcroftcollection.com

A few weeks ago I was invited by BOOMBOX Network to a cocktail party for Foxcroft, the women's apparel company. This year, they are celebrating 25 years of "effortless style".

I looked forward to learning more about their line of clothing designed with the feminine figure in mind, with fabrics and designs I always count on for a casual yet polished look. Timeless, classic and comfortable.

Arriving at Foxcroft with my fun chauffeur, Estelle Sobel Erasmus (musingsonmotherhoodmidlife.com)

After arriving at the party and getting settled in with hugs from friends and introductions to other attendees (and, of course, eating a few hors d'oevres since I was starving!) I was pleasantly surprised to learn Foxcroft also carries a men's line. Their display enticed me to look around and touch all of the soft fabrics.

Foxcroft Collection: Men's Apparel

After entering the larger and more crowded back room, I had some time to catch up with old friends and make new acquaintances. It was a lot of fun.

Midlife bloggers who are now good friends

When it was time to quiet down and learn what was new at Foxcroft, we heard about their newest arrivals, and the fabulous no-iron line they offer.

Regina of Foxcroft, modeling one of their fabulous blouses. She's a great model for their apparel.

Welcomig us was Thomas Dietrich, President of The Apparel Company, parent company of Foxcroft

Welcoming us was Thomas Dietrich, President of The Apparel Company, parent company of Foxcroft

No-iron? Music to my ears. I hate to iron (just ask my husband), and doing so is fatiguing for someone with a disability. Standing for long periods of time is difficult, so ironing is the last thing on my "to do" list.

How many times has my poor husband tried to (ahem) iron his own shirt? He doesn't love to do it (at all) but does it when he has to because he knows it makes my life easier.

No-iron? That's a dream come true.

I purchased "no-iron" clothing before, and ended up being disappointed with the product. After hearing about Foxcroft's I was cautiously optimistic.

Foxcroft no-iron blouse and tunic. Perfect for people with disabilities.

We were then invited to try on a sample no-iron blouse. As an added bonus for attending the party, we would be receiving a Foxcroft no-iron blouse (in our choice of long or 3/4 sleeve, with an array of colors to choose from.)

I was thrilled.

Before the party ended, we were treated to a goody bag filled with items from the marvelous sponsors of the party.

Plus my own private hug from friend Audrey Van Petegem of BOOMBOX Network.

More swag!

My own private hug from my sweet friend, Audrey Van Petegem of BOOMBOX Network.

I couldn't wait to receive my new shirt and try it on. Finally, the day came when my box arrived at the front door. Hallelujah!

Waiting to be worn!

The purple color of the blouse was vibrant, and the soft texture made it f-e-e-l good to wear.

Don't you love the feel of premium cotton? PLUS, there was not one wrinkle in the blouse after being shipped.

Here I am wearing it two ways. Tell me which way you prefer.

Open as a jacket,

It looks more blue in this picture. It's not!

or closed as a blouse.

This is the true color

I love my new blouse and how easy it will be to keep it looking crisp and fresh every time I wear it.

Ordering Foxcroft apparel is easy to purchase online by going to the Foxcroft website.

What do you think of the new no-iron apparel? Will it make your life easier?

Thank you to BOOMBOX Network and especially to the ever-fabulous hostess of the night, Audrey Van Petegem. I want to also thank Foxcroft, and the sponsors for this fun event:

The generous sponsors for the BOOMBOX/Foxcroft event

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