Episode Details

Cathy Chester was diagnosed with MS in 1981, way before first medications were available and keeps advocating for the community ever since. You can read the interview with all questions and answers on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/029-cathy-chester

Today I'm speaking with patient advocate Cathy Chester, whose blog, An Empowered Spirit, is an important resource for those affected by multiple sclerosis on a wealth of topics related to living with multiple sclerosis. Cathy received her MS diagnosis in 1981, long before the first disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) were available.

We talk about their personal experiences and coping strategies, treatment options, but also the challenges of the support system in the United States. And because the U.S. is such a large country with immense diversity in all dimensions, our conversation covers only a part of this system, without claiming to be exhaustive. It is one perspective from a very dedicated patient advocate, which can of course be expanded to include many more.

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• Introduction - Who is Cathy Chester
• Personal Experiences and Coping Strategies
• Treatment and Care in the United States
• Challenges and Support Systems in the United States
• Education, Awareness, and Advocacy
• Quickfire Q&A Session
• Farewell

Introduction - Who is Cathy Chester

Thank you for this opportunity to speak with you and your listeners, Nele. For your listeners: My name is Cathy Chester, and I've been living with multiple sclerosis since 1986. I was dating my husband for a year before my diagnosis, and we married in 1988. Our wonderful son was born in 1992. We live a simple life filled with love and laughter and conquer adversity as a team. We love cats and are getting ready to adopt two for our family! I'm grateful for my husband and son every day.

Finally, what message of hope or encouragement would you like to share with individuals living with MS in the United States?

When I was diagnosed in 1986, there were no FDA-approved medications. Fast forward to today, and there are over 20. The needle will continue to move forward, and a cure will hopefully be found for the next generation. At the very least, there will be more and better ways to help manage the disease to help patients live a better quality of life.

How and where can interested people find you online?

• My award-winning blog is AnEmpoweredSpirit.com
• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/cathy.chester1