Sarah Locke shared her Polar Products on Twitter earlier this month, alerting me to the program. Thanks, Sarah. I promptly ordered my kit, and look what arrived last week! To get your kit in the mail, check out this MS Focus link from the MS Foundation: https://msfocus.org/Get-Help/MSF-Programs-Grants/Cooling-Program. You can also apply for the MSAA (Multiple Sclerosis Association of America) kit at: https://mymsaa.org/msaa-help/cooling-products/. Let’s keep cool this summer to enjoy the fun with everyone else.
In 2008, my life seemed like it was over. MS was wreaking havoc in my life – and that is putting it mildly. I thought multiple sclerosis would kill me with a brain stem lesion that affected my heart and lungs. I took a year off from work and then, in 2009, returned to the classroom for another year before throwing in the towel and leaving on medical disability.
Now, people can’t tell I have MS. If I manage stress, stay cool, protect my sleep schedule, and avoid sick people, I can conquer the world. Okay, maybe that is overestimating my ability, but the truth is, I am doing amazingly well considering my MS past. In 2015, I was home on disability but had long since embraced the philosophy that there are no rewinds in life, so I make the most of each day, even if I only cook dinner or get dressed. Despite having MS, I pushed through those days.
Today, with my multiple sclerosis in check, I’ve been able to complete and promote a memoir of my remote Alaska life and MS journey – The Call of the Last Frontier. If you have wanted to attend my presentation but have been unable to, you can watch it here: Melissa Cook’s Alaska presentation. MS waxes and wanes, and to some extent, we do have control over that. I am faithful about taking my medication, staying healthy, and keeping a positive attitude.
March & April 2022 Appearance Schedule – can also be found on www.MelissaCook.us
March 22, 2022 – Hot Springs County Library 6:00-7:30 p.m. “Alaska” & “The Call of the Last Frontier” presentation at 344 Arapahoe St, Thermopolis, WY 82443
April 4, 2022 – Washakie County Library 6:00-7:30 p.m. “Alaska” &˜ “The Call of the Last Frontier” presentation at 801 Big Horn Ave Suite 100, Worland, WY 82401
April 5, 2022 – Sheridan County Fulmer Library 2:00-3:30 p.m. & 6:00-7:30 p.m. “Alaska” & “The Call of the Last Frontier” presentation at 335 W Alger St, Sheridan, WY 82801
