Cathy Chester

This year marks 38 years since my MS diagnosis. Since then, the learning curve has been steep, from having little knowledge about the disease and no MS medications to a...

As I reflect on my life, I find myself perplexed by the phenomenon of aging and the marginalization that often comes with it. Once we reach the age of 60...

I was 27 when I learned I had MS, and I didn’t contemplate its impact on the rest of my life. Being young and naive had certain advantages. I never...

Over the last few years, I’ve been outspoken about the lack of inclusion for people aged 60 and over within the MS community. Unfortunately, we’re a group that sometimes lacks...

One of the biggest cultural divides is between the coffee-drinking world and the tea-consuming world. For decades, that divide existed in my marriage; I was the coffee gal, and my...

People with disabilities face many obstacles. Some are physical while others are social. Perhaps you used to jog or surf or play tennis, but you are no longer able to...

I read a fascinating article about loneliness in the December 2019/January 2020 issue of AARP titled “Is There a Medical Cure for Loneliness?” by Lynn Darling. According to genomics researcher Steve...

This time of year people are compiling lists of gift ideas, suggestions for getting the perfect present for that special someone. I have a somewhat different list in my mind...

I’ve been indoors for two weeks and counting, binge-watching British shows on BritBox, listening to music, and napping. A lot of napping because my fatigue is 24/7 despite any nighttime...

I’ve lived with symptoms of multiple sclerosis since 1981, was diagnosed in 1986 and thereafter settled into a steady life of numbness, weakness, fatigue and cog fog. After years of...

My infant son looked up at me from his crib, smiling and cooing after a satisfying nap. I picked him up, changed his diaper and carried him to the living...

I recently went to see a Broadway show in New York City about the life and music of Carole King. I had my heart set on seeing “Beautiful” but told...

I recently attended a red carpet gala for an award ceremony being held by my new women’s group. The group consists of over 5,000 members from New Jersey, New York...

The holidays can be a time of great stress for many in the Multiple Sclerosis community. Difficult symptoms make us sad as we're forced to sit back and watch others...

It was a Saturday afternoon in 1995 and my husband and I were at a crowded, noisy tile store with our three-year-old son. We recently moved into the home we...

There’s a marvelous piece written by Ashley Ringstaff called “MS & Things People Should Not Say.” It provides a solid list of statements people should never say to someone with...

It’s no secret I’ve been ill on and off for the past year. With four added diagnoses all having to do with my digestive system, my MS has flared more...

I was thrilled when I was invited to be a patient expert for the website LiveWise MS. Along with other experts (mainly nurse practitioners), LiveWise MS offers pertinent content for...

I’ve got loneliness on my mind and I’d like to, as the author Elizabeth Lesser says, break myself open. Please don’t confuse loneliness with feeling alone. They are two separate...

I was thirty-four years old when I had my son. After two miscarriages, I thought I’d never have a child. I was distraught after each miscarriage, thinking that my strong...