Ever since I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2002, I’ve been hoping for a cure. Since that time, doctors and scientists have given us more than a dozen new medications, you can get a stem cell transplant if you meet some criteria (I don’t) and want it (plus have amazing insurance or enough money to do it), and researchers have been making progress on finding even more options to treat symptoms. I’m personally hoping to be involved in a clinical trial that is testing a novel (and super cool) electronic stimulation unit that uses the tongue’s sensory nerves to deliver signals to the brain to help improve balance.

Just last week, I saw a story that really stood out about a Cambridge University doctor trying to cure MS. Probably a dozen colleagues, friends, and associates also sent it to me. Because if the doctor’s right, she figured out a cure.. that isn’t even actually a medicine… that will be available… soon(ish). (Where can I sign up for a trial??? Seriously – if you’re in the know, hook this girl up!)

Here’s a Cliff Notes version: There is a type of stem cell particle called a LIF. Apparently, this wonder particle can turn off the autoimmune response that results in the damage seen in MS. Mix it with a nano-particle that can make LIF survive in your body longer, send it where it needs to go, and boom – MS cure AND (!!!!) a way to fix the damage MS has done. They even think it could be a cure for other things, like dementia.

Many people think that I have made peace with having MS. But that’s not true at all. I fight against what it’s doing to my body every single day. I do not accept its potential damage as my fate, and I encourage others with chronic neurological diseases to do the same. There are a lot of things you can do to help prevent or mitigate disease progression. But if someone could just give me a cure? I’d sign up for that in a second. I’m really over of having MS every damn day.

In health,
Mariska