Tracy 's MS Fundraising Page
Tracy Pirie is raising money for The University of Edinburgh
Story
As many of you may already know, in January of 2018, after undergoing a series of tests, I was diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Despite having known for a little while that this might be the diagnosis, it was none the less a shock for us all. In the spirit of giving back to the community that have supported me over the past year I have decided to commit myself to doing a 10K run, and have signed up for the Great Aberdeen Run (August 2019), so I can support health professionals who are working so hard to understand, and to help, people like myself. As such, any contributions towards my run will be donated to the Anne Rowling Clinic in Edinburgh, who undertake a great deal of research in this area.
2018 saw us all having to make many adjustments (with the biggest one being a move towards less meat and more veggies - which for those of you that know Els, will appreciate what a sacrifice this has been for him :-). Reduction in the amount of dairy and gluten (can't completely give up my Reese's peanut butter cups.....). For myself, having to learn to take this a bit slower, due to the associated fatigue I suffer from, whilst also getting used to the unusual sensory issues, such as; numbness, burning sensations and feeling of water on my skin, which seem to be a more regular occurrence for me now, has been an interesting journey.
I have been overwhelmed by the support of my family: Els dedication to learning new ways of cooking vegan dishes that still have plenty of flavour, my brother John's relentless research to understand more about this disease and the various foods and supplements (that I'm now dutifully taking), both sets of parents just generally being there when we need some downtime/to chat about things, and to both of my children (Charlie and Nadine) who just generally keep me going and make sure that I'm kept busy ;-), whilst also providing me with endless hugs.
During our research, it has become apparent, that whilst understanding and development of drug treatments for this disease have progressed over the years there is still a long way to go. Doctors do not fully understand what causes individuals to develop MS still, nor do they understand fully how the treatments they have developed work, and most importantly they still do not have a cure. Since my diagnosis I have been involved in a current bit of research via the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, which is part of the University of Edinburgh. This study, 'Future MS', is looking to develop a better understanding of the development of the disease so that they might one day provide a more accurate prognosis, and as such allow doctors to prescribe the right types of medications, at the right time, for the right people. Whilst this study won't help my current situation, it is nice to know I'm contributing towards understanding for future generations of sufferers.
So my request to you, at the very least, please share my story. MS is a very misunderstood disease, and one that affects a large percentage of individuals in countries such as the UK. The charities are working hard to raise its profile and the wider communities understanding of it. Or, if you feel inclined, please do spare a pound or two towards a very deserving charity. It would mean a huge amount to me.
Thanks for reading :-)
Tracy
2018 saw us all having to make many adjustments (with the biggest one being a move towards less meat and more veggies - which for those of you that know Els, will appreciate what a sacrifice this has been for him :-). Reduction in the amount of dairy and gluten (can't completely give up my Reese's peanut butter cups.....). For myself, having to learn to take this a bit slower, due to the associated fatigue I suffer from, whilst also getting used to the unusual sensory issues, such as; numbness, burning sensations and feeling of water on my skin, which seem to be a more regular occurrence for me now, has been an interesting journey.
I have been overwhelmed by the support of my family: Els dedication to learning new ways of cooking vegan dishes that still have plenty of flavour, my brother John's relentless research to understand more about this disease and the various foods and supplements (that I'm now dutifully taking), both sets of parents just generally being there when we need some downtime/to chat about things, and to both of my children (Charlie and Nadine) who just generally keep me going and make sure that I'm kept busy ;-), whilst also providing me with endless hugs.
During our research, it has become apparent, that whilst understanding and development of drug treatments for this disease have progressed over the years there is still a long way to go. Doctors do not fully understand what causes individuals to develop MS still, nor do they understand fully how the treatments they have developed work, and most importantly they still do not have a cure. Since my diagnosis I have been involved in a current bit of research via the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, which is part of the University of Edinburgh. This study, 'Future MS', is looking to develop a better understanding of the development of the disease so that they might one day provide a more accurate prognosis, and as such allow doctors to prescribe the right types of medications, at the right time, for the right people. Whilst this study won't help my current situation, it is nice to know I'm contributing towards understanding for future generations of sufferers.
So my request to you, at the very least, please share my story. MS is a very misunderstood disease, and one that affects a large percentage of individuals in countries such as the UK. The charities are working hard to raise its profile and the wider communities understanding of it. Or, if you feel inclined, please do spare a pound or two towards a very deserving charity. It would mean a huge amount to me.
Thanks for reading :-)
Tracy