Happy Thanksgiving, wherever you are today! When you're living the chronic life, the concept of Thanksgiving can be a little tricky. On the one hand, sure, things could always be worse and you're grateful they're not. On the other hand, finding things to feel thankful for and grateful about when your body hurts, your joints are inflamed, and you keep having to sprint for the closest bathroom can take some deep digging. This will be Emily Reilly's 15th Thanksgiving with multiple sclerosis. The 33-year-old has been through a lot trying to figure out the best way to manage her disease. And while she still struggles at times, Reilly has found an antidote to some of her symptoms, for which she is grateful. Read Reilly's story and learn how she uses various forms of exercise as therapy for her MS. Something else to feel grateful for if you are a parent of a child with a chronic condition: The University of California, San Francisco, has announced the creation of a new Child & Adolescent Chronic Illness Center, where kids with all different types of chronic diseases can be treated in a community setting with the support and friendship of other children dealing with their own chronic battles. The idea came about after UCSF doctors realized the benefits to families of creating a chronic community, regardless of the specific condition. Genius! |
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