When she was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), Lidia was worried she wouldn’t be able keep up with the most important activities in her life: teaching and parenting.

"I couldn’t believe it when a doctor told me I had MS. I was terrified I wouldn’t be able to raise my children."

Accepting that some things are harder for her, such as climbing stairs at work and chasing her three-year-old twins around the house, was an important part of coming to terms with MS. She learned to pace her energy throughout the day so she could still be a passionate teacher and active parent. When she is especially tired, she stays off her feet as much as possible and avoids leaving the ground floor. "I save my strength for the things that are most important."

Telling her coworkers about her MS was nerve-racking at first, but everyone at the school was very understanding. "I knew I could always count on them to give me a hand." When she had a second relapse, her boss let her take year absence to focus on her health.

Lidia’s diagnosis mobilized her whole family to offer support. "The condition became fact and we all had to deal with it together." At first she worried she would become a burden on her husband, but he has been her most important source of assistance throughout her MS. "He helped me look into therapy possibilities, and he took care of the children when I couldn’t do it myself."

Her 18-year-old daughter has also taken a big role in supporting her mother. "I’ve became very close with my daughter; she’s been an enormous help to me."

Now that her two sons are six years old, Lidia has begun explaining her MS to them in terms they can grasp. "Right now they understand that their mum has trouble with moving." They already assist with some of the chores around the house.

Her MS nurse has been another great source of support. She taught Lidia how to administer the medication she was prescribed for her MS every other day. Lidia believes this treatment has played a vital role in keeping her healthy and active. "My medication has mobilized me to return to work. It has given me hope."